Zirkzee was advised to leave MU in January to save his career.
Out of favor under Ruben Amorim, Zirkzee has 7 goals/49 games and only 11 minutes in October. Rene Meulensteen advises loan, suggests AS Roma to keep 2026 World Cup hopes alive.
A loan move in January — that’s the advice Joshua Zirkzee is being given as the 24-year-old continues to fall out of favour at Manchester United. According to former assistant coach Rene Meulensteen, a move to AS Roma could provide the playing time Zirkzee needs to keep his hopes of playing at the 2026 World Cup alive with the Netherlands.
From £36.5m to limited playing time
Zirkzee, who joined United from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for £36.5 million, was expected to be the perfect addition to the attack. But English football is a different story. His first season at Old Trafford ended with seven goals in 49 games - a figure that reflected his inconsistency and criticism of his decisiveness in front of goal.
The peak of doubt came in the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle, when Zirkzee was withdrawn after just 32 minutes, a moment that became emblematic of a striker who had yet to find a rhythm and a clear role in a high-pressure environment.
2025/26 season: injuries and scarce opportunities
The following season, a long-term injury meant Zirkzee missed much of pre-season. Although he returned, he only played 11 minutes in the win over Brighton — his only appearance in October. Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were in fine form, leaving Zirkzee’s first-team chances virtually shut.
Advice from Meulensteen: leave to play football
According to Rene Meulensteen, the best solution at the moment is to leave Man United on loan: “At this age, Zirkzee needs to play regularly if he wants to return to the Dutch team for the World Cup. A club like AS Roma would be the ideal destination. In Serie A, he has more time to handle the ball, which suits his style.”
The message here is clear: playing regularly is more important than waiting for the rare opportunity. For a striker who likes to be delicate, an environment that allows extra touches and space can be the springboard to rekindle inspiration.
Amorim admits pressure, sympathizes with students
Coach Ruben Amorim also acknowledged that frustration is inevitable: “It is normal for players to want to play, especially when the World Cup is approaching. We need everyone, but at Man United, everything is always exaggerated and creates a lot of pressure.”
The comments show that the coaching staff understands Zirkzee's desire to play, but the reality is that competition and immediate results are still the harsh standards at this team.
Why Serie A might be a better fit for Zirkzee?
The suggestion of AS Roma is more than just a name. In Meulensteen’s view, Serie A offers “more time on the ball”, which suits the style Zirkzee displayed at Bologna. There, the rhythm of play allows the striker to receive the ball, turn and link up with his teammates before finishing – qualities that risk being eroded by being constantly used to short-term, rhythmless roles.
Alongside Roma, Napoli are also said to be open. Although only a temporary option, such a destination could get Zirkzee back on track, before Man United reassess his role at the end of the season.
The numbers speak for themselves.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Transfer fee | 36.5 million pounds |
| 2024/25 season | 49 matches, 7 goals |
| Loss to Newcastle | Substituted in the 32nd minute |
| October 2025 | 11 minutes played (against Brighton) |
January Impact and Choices
Zirkzee needs consistent game time to regain his rhythm, confidence and competitive profile for the Netherlands in the summer of 2026. With Man United's attacking options rich and highly competitive, a strategic step back — a loan move — could be a crucial career step.
From £36.5m signing to benching, Zirkzee’s Old Trafford story is a lesson in fitting in and peak form. January offers a way out: leave for playing time, then return sharper — with time on his side but opportunity waiting for no one.
