MU opens the door to sell Joshua Zirkzee following Amorim's decision
Having only played 4 matches with 82 minutes this season, Joshua Zirkzee is no longer in coach Ruben Amorim's plans; West Ham and Serie A clubs are competing for a loan from January 2026.
Ruben Amorim’s decisive decision has closed a short chapter for Joshua Zirkzee at Old Trafford. With just 82 minutes of football in four substitute appearances this season, the 24-year-old striker is no longer part of the new tactical structure and is likely to leave Manchester United in the January 2026 transfer window, with the Portuguese coach giving the green light to listen to all suitable offers.
Deal developments and context
Zirkzee joined Manchester United from Bologna two seasons ago with the expectation of becoming the new spearhead of the attack. At that time, Erik ten Hag saw him as “the perfect piece” thanks to his technique, spatial sense and ability to connect with his teammates. But the transition to the coaching bench has reversed the frame of reference.
Since the start of the season, Zirkzee has only made four appearances, not a single start, totaling 82 minutes. The arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have pushed him further down the pecking order. According to The i Paper, Amorim is ready to listen to offers as early as January 2026. West Ham are the first team to offer a loan until the end of the season, while Juventus, Napoli and AS Roma are said to be keeping a close eye on him. The Italian press has even mentioned the possibility that Roma are ready to adjust their personnel plans to make room for Zirkzee.
Tactical Analysis: Why was Zirkzee left out of the plan?
The focus is on Ruben Amorim’s definition of a “number 9”. “I think Josh is not a pure number 9. He is more of a number 10 – he likes to drop deep and link up play rather than stick to the box,” Amorim said, before emphasising that his system requires a strong centre-forward who presses relentlessly and finishes cleanly in the area.
At Bologna, Zirkzee’s strengths lay in stretching the defensive structure, dropping deep to open up space for his satellites, rather than being a target man. In Amorim’s eyes, that model was mismatched: the team needed a sharpshooter who could cut through the middle, block the pressing frontline and apply constant pressure inside the box. The softness and link-up play that had so enthralled Ten Hag were now a deviation from the requirements.
In addition, the presence of direct and fast strikers like Sesko, along with mobile options like Mbeumo and Cunha, makes Amorim's tactical "framework" complete with the necessary pieces for pressing and transitioning. Zirkzee, in that structure, becomes a non-priority option.
Important statistics
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of appearances this season | 4 |
| Number of starts | 0 |
| Total minutes | 82 |
| Year old | 24 |
| Competitors for position | Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha |
| Role positioning (by coach) | More of a number 10/second striker, not a pure number 9 |
| Time to open negotiations | January 2026 |
| Club interested | West Ham, Juventus, Napoli, AS Roma |
Reaction from all sides
Amorim opted for transparency. “United need players who fit the system, not just big names. For me, that’s the only way the club can move forward,” he said. Clear – and cold – tactical language sends a message about standards.
As for the player, Zirkzee also did not hide his determination to leave to play regularly before the 2026 World Cup. “I need to play and contribute. I do not want to sit on the bench forever,” he shared with the Dutch media. In the current situation, a loan contract is a soft exit, allowing him to accumulate playing minutes and prove his worth.
Impact and prospects
If they part ways in January 2026, the deal will close an unfinished expectation: from the “new Van Persie” model under Ten Hag to the surplus in the Amorim era. For Manchester United, opening the door for Zirkzee to leave helps to tidy up the force fund and consolidate the strategic orientation around a center forward that fits the current philosophy.
On the other hand, West Ham offers a Premier League opportunity with a possible starting position, while Juventus, Napoli or AS Roma promise an environment that values a striker who knows how to connect. Regardless of the destination, the key criterion for Zirkzee is still playing time - the only foundation to help him restore his form and position before the big tournament in 2026.
The message from Old Trafford is clear: tactical frameworks come before names. And at 24, Zirkzee’s departure – if it comes – could be the necessary step to salvage the development of a talent once highly anticipated.
