Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly looking to leave Manchester United in January after falling out of favour under manager Ruben Amorim. Having made just three Premier League appearances so far this season, the striker is now attracting interest from two Serie A clubs as he aims to boost his chances of making the Netherlands’ squad for the 2026 World Cup by exiting Old Trafford.
Zirkzee has reportedly become frustrated by bit-part United role
In a report from Italian newspaper , Zirkzee has reportedly become frustrated at being used sparingly by United head coach Amorim this season. All three of the 24-year-old’s league appearances have come from the bench, while he was also a substitute in the Red Devils’ penalty shootout defeat against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup in August. Zirkzee equally endured a difficult debut season at United following his move from Serie A side Bologna in 2024, scoring just three league goals in 32 appearances as the club finished 15th under Amorim – their worst-ever Premier League finish.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportStriker wants to boost chances of making Netherlands' World Cup squad
And the report claims Zirkzee is now planning to leave United in January in order to give himself a better chance of making a Netherlands squad which is on course to book its place at next summer's World Cup. The forward, who has six caps for the Oranje, was not included in manager Ronald Koeman’s squad which recorded back-to-back victories over Malta and Finland in their recent World Cup qualifiers. The Dutch currently sit top of Group G on 16 points, three ahead of second-placed Poland, having won five and drawn one of their six fixtures.
Zirkzee attracting interest from Serie A duo Roma and Como
Having caught United's attention in Italy, Zirkzee is reportedly drawing interest back in Serie A from Roma and Como. While Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini is believed to be a firm admirer of Zirkzee, having wanted to sign him for Atalanta before the forward opted to join United, the capital club would only be able to make a loan offer when the January transfer window opens. Cesc Fabregas’ Como, however, would be able to make a permanent offer to sign Zirkzee, though unlike Roma – who are competing in this season’s Europa League – they are unable to offer European football.
Getty Images SportAmorim criticised by former Arsenal and Chelsea man Petit
It remains to be seen whether Zirkzee can force his way into the United starting eleven before January. Amorim’s men – who currently sit 10th in the Premier League table – return to action when they travel to fierce rivals Liverpool on Sunday, 19 October. The Red Devils were victorious in their last outing, defeating Sunderland 2-0 on home soil in what was a good response to losing 3-1 at Brentford in their previous league fixture.
However, despite the victory over Sunderland, Amorim has been criticised by former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit as United prepare to lock horns with Liverpool this weekend. Having been questioned all season over his insistence on United lining up in his favoured 3-4-3 setup, despite winning just three of their seven league games in the formation, Amorim hit back by claiming the system is not the reason behind his side’s stuttering start to the 2025-26 campaign.