United Open to Zirkzee Loan to Roma in January

Manchester United are prepared to allow striker Joshua Zirkzee to depart in the January transfer window, with Italian club Roma emerging as the frontrunners to secure his services on an initial loan deal.

The 24-year-old Dutch forward, who joined United from Bologna last summer for 36.5 million pounds, has featured sparingly this season under manager Ruben Amorim. Zirkzee has made only five appearances across all competitions, totaling around 90 minutes, all as a substitute in the Premier League. His limited role stems from competition in the attacking lineup, including new signings Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for 74 million pounds, Matheus Cunha for 62.5 million pounds, and Bryan Mbeumo for 71 million pounds. Sesko has been the primary center forward, though he is currently sidelined for up to a month with a knee injury. Amorim has deployed alternatives such as Mbeumo centrally or Mason Mount in a false nine role, further sidelining Zirkzee.

Reports indicate that Amorim does not view Zirkzee as a key fit for his tactical system and is uncertain about his best position. Zirkzee, who scored seven goals in 49 appearances during his debut 2024-25 campaign, began brightly with a...