Manchester United are ready to part ways with striker Joshua Zirkzee just six months after his arrival, according to reports.
The Dutch forward, who joined from Bologna for £36.5 million in July, has struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League and is already deemed surplus to requirements by new manager Ruben Amorim. As the January transfer window approaches, United are said to be exploring options for Zirkzee, while Amorim has identified Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres as his ideal forward target.
Zirkzee’s transfer to Old Trafford last summer was among the final moves orchestrated by former United boss Erik ten Hag. The Dutch striker came with considerable promise after a solid spell in Serie A, but his Premier League performances have been underwhelming, tallying just one goal and two assists in 17 appearances. With limited impact and growing competition in United’s forward line, it seems his time at the club may be short-lived.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Zirkzee’s lackluster start has earned him the label of an “expensive flop,” with United reportedly open to offers in January. A return to Serie A, where he showed flashes of potential with Bologna, is seen as a likely destination. The timing of Amorim’s arrival has apparently accelerated the decision, with the Portuguese coach keen on reshaping the squad in his own vision.
Rasmus Hojlund’s presence has also limited Zirkzee’s opportunities. Both Ten Hag and interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy preferred the Danish forward over Zirkzee, and now, under Amorim’s system, the 23-year-old Dutchman has yet to carve out a meaningful role. Amorim’s tactical philosophy, known for demanding high work rates and physicality, may not suit Zirkzee’s languid style, which has struggled to mesh with the intensity of English football.
Zirkzee’s performances have raised questions not only about his suitability for the Premier League but also his tactical fit at United. The towering forward stands at 6’4″, yet he has been unable to assert himself physically on the pitch. Against Liverpool, Zirkzee’s inability to win any of his 10 ground and aerial duels highlighted his difficulties in adapting to the speed and physicality of the English game. His style, more suited to the slower pace of Serie A, has drawn criticism from figures such as Fabio Capello, who remarked that Zirkzee seems “like a different player” in England.
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Interestingly, Zirkzee has shown brief moments of technical quality in his link-up play outside the box, suggesting there’s still talent to be harnessed if he’s deployed effectively. A potential solution could lie in a strike partnership with Rasmus Hojlund, which might allow Zirkzee to operate in a role he describes as a “9.5”—a player who hovers between a traditional striker and a supporting forward. In this setup, Zirkzee’s technical abilities could complement Hojlund’s directness, although questions remain about his finishing instinct.
Zirkzee’s struggles in front of goal are another point of concern. The Dutchman has missed four big chances in the Premier League this season, further highlighting a lack of clinical edge. His style, which prioritizes technical finesse over pure physicality, hasn’t translated well to the Premier League, where split-second decisions are critical, and defenders allow little time to dwell on the ball.
While Zirkzee’s future remains uncertain, Amorim’s reported interest in Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres has raised hopes of a potential marquee signing in the summer. The Swedish forward has been prolific, with 23 goals and four assists in just 18 matches this season, and he is already on the radar of Europe’s elite, including Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool. Gyokeres, known for his clinical finishing and work rate, fits Amorim’s vision of a dynamic, pressing striker—a stark contrast to Zirkzee’s more languid style.
Amorim has addressed rumors about his interest in Sporting players, downplaying the chances of any January moves. “I won’t in January, that’s what I said. I don’t know about the summer,” Amorim commented recently, hinting that a deal for Gyokeres might be more likely at the end of the season. According to reports, Gyokeres has a €100 million release clause but could be available for a reduced fee of €60 million to €70 million in 2025, depending on certain contractual conditions.
The likelihood of Gyokeres arriving in January is slim, and Amorim has openly stated that he does not intend to disrupt Sporting’s squad mid-season. However, the promise of landing a forward of Gyokeres’ caliber may justify United’s patience, especially as Amorim looks to build a long-term project at Old Trafford.
For now, Amorim’s focus in January will likely remain on addressing other pressing needs within the squad. But Zirkzee’s probable departure signals a desire for a more cohesive and physically adaptable attacking unit. The Dutch forward’s brief success—scoring a winner on his debut against Fulham—feels like a distant memory, overshadowed by a series of missed opportunities and an inability to adapt.
In a system increasingly reliant on pace and physicality, Zirkzee’s technical but slow style has left him on the periphery of United’s plans. His potential transfer could mark the first step in Amorim’s restructuring, which is expected to involve players who fit his style and intensity. For Zirkzee, a return to Serie A may offer a much-needed lifeline and a chance to regain confidence in familiar surroundings.
As Amorim’s tenure gains traction, the desire to reshape United’s attack with players like Gyokeres reflects a strategic vision that aligns with his high-energy, forward-pressing philosophy. While Zirkzee’s move to Old Trafford may not have panned out as expected, it appears that United are prepared to cut their losses as they look toward a more productive and tailored future under Amorim’s guidance.