The future of Joshua Zirkzee at Manchester United is now pointing in a direction few anticipated just weeks ago. After months of speculation linking the Dutch striker with a move to AS Roma, developments in January 2026 suggest that Zirkzee may remain at Old Trafford for the remainder of the season.
The Serie A side had previously been regarded as the most likely destination for Zirkzee, potentially marking a return to the Italian top flight. Zirkzee first made a name for himself in Serie A during his time with Bologna, before joining Manchester United in 2024 for a reported £36.5 million transfer fee. However, his initial months in England did not go as smoothly as expected, leaving him with limited playing time and prompting speculation that a move abroad could revitalize his career.
Roma Move Falls Through
Zirkzee’s potential transfer to Roma has now effectively stalled. The club’s sporting director, Ricky Massara, confirmed that the opportunity to bring the striker to Italy has diminished in light of recent managerial changes at Manchester United. According to Massara, the situation at Old Trafford has shifted, removing the clear pathway for a January move.
“Zirkzee is a centre-forward from Manchester United who is admired by several clubs, not just ours,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia earlier this week. “The circumstances have changed after the managerial transition. There is currently no active contact regarding him, and we are also exploring other options.”
Roma has since opened discussions with Atletico Madrid regarding the Italian forward Giacomo Raspadori, and sources suggest an agreement for a loan deal with an option to buy is already in place. Should Raspadori accept the proposal, any interest in Zirkzee would likely come to an end, leaving the Dutch forward to reassess his options at Manchester United.
Revival for Zirkzee at Old Trafford
While the transfer window uncertainty persists, Zirkzee’s situation on the pitch has taken a positive turn. After a three-month period in which he saw almost no playing time, the 24-year-old has begun featuring more regularly since the November international break. He appeared in the first match after the sudden departure of Ruben Amorim, with interim management led by Darren Fletcher overseeing team affairs.
Though often starting from the bench, Zirkzee has participated in the last 10 Premier League matches, contributing directly to goals in two of his three most recent appearances. His improved involvement has demonstrated his readiness to make an impact, keeping him in consideration for selection in critical fixtures.
Club Strategy Limits January Departures
Another factor reducing the likelihood of Zirkzee leaving Manchester United this month is the club’s stated intention not to sign any new forwards in January. This policy, initially outlined by Amorim in December 2025, remains in place even after his departure. Without incoming reinforcements, United are unlikely to allow Zirkzee to exit mid-season, as squad depth across the front line is limited.
“It would be difficult for anyone to leave if we do not secure a replacement. We are already short on players. Even with a full squad, we are stretched to cover all eventualities,” Amorim stated prior to his departure.
Missed Opportunity: Antoine Semenyo
Manchester United had reportedly considered activating the £65 million release clause of winger Antoine Semenyo, potentially as an alternative attacking reinforcement. However, Semenyo opted to join Manchester City, leaving United to step back from any major January spending in the forward department. Club leadership decided to hold off on large-scale investments until the summer window, with a focus on acquiring a central midfielder as a priority.
This approach reflects a broader strategic shift within United’s hierarchy, emphasizing long-term squad planning over ad-hoc transfers driven by the preferences of a single manager. The club now prioritizes structured recruitment and sustainability, rather than reactive January signings.
Zirkzee’s Opportunity to Rebuild
With transfer avenues narrowing and Semenyo off the table, Zirkzee’s future at Manchester United is increasingly tied to his performance on the pitch. Remaining at Old Trafford provides him a platform to earn regular playing time, contribute to team goals, and reestablish his standing with the Netherlands national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the summer.
The upcoming weeks could prove pivotal for Zirkzee. Consistent performances may solidify his role within the squad and reshape perceptions after a challenging start to his United career. The combination of increased involvement and the absence of new arrivals positions him as a central figure in the team’s attacking plans moving forward.
Managerial Changes and Adaptation
The sudden managerial transition following Amorim’s exit has created both challenges and opportunities. Interim leadership under Fletcher allows younger and fringe players, including Zirkzee, to stake their claim for more significant roles. While he may still face competition for minutes, the current circumstances provide a unique window for him to demonstrate versatility, resilience, and finishing ability.
Zirkzee’s ability to adapt to new tactical demands and maintain confidence will be critical. Success in the next stretch of Premier League matches could not only secure his place in the squad but also influence transfer decisions for the next summer window.
Conclusion: A Season of Opportunity
Joshua Zirkzee’s path at Manchester United has taken an unexpected turn in January 2026. From a potential Serie A move to a revived role at Old Trafford, the Dutch forward now has the opportunity to reshape his career trajectory. Remaining in Manchester offers stability, competitive football, and the chance to prove himself under challenging circumstances.
If he can leverage his increased playing time and deliver consistent performances, Zirkzee may yet emerge as a key contributor for United this season, while positioning himself strongly for international duty in the 2026 World Cup. For now, his future is intertwined with Manchester United’s immediate ambitions, and the coming weeks will likely determine whether this chapter becomes a turning point in his professional career.
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