Manchester United face a difficult January call, with reports in Italy claiming Joshua Zirkzee has been persuaded to return to Serie A. The Dutch forward has attracted exit talk for much of the past year, and a move could offer the regular football he has struggled to find at Old Trafford.
However, reports suggest Michael Carrick wants to keep the 25-year-old despite his limited involvement. Zirkzee has reportedly played just 54 minutes across three Premier League substitute appearances. That lack of action makes a departure understandable, especially if Napoli can offer him a clearer role.
United paid Bologna a reported €42.5 million for Zirkzee in 2024. His value to the squad has yet to match that fee, but his profile gives Carrick a different option in attack. At 1.93 metres, he offers a physical presence, links play and can help United change their approach when a match becomes tight. His recent goal for the Netherlands shows he can still contribute.
United have little room for a gamble. The club sit 12th after six league matches, with six points, according to the situation outlined in the reports. With pressure mounting on Carrick and demanding fixtures ahead, including Atlético Madrid, losing another forward could leave him short of options. A replacement would need to arrive first, and a proven striker such as Benjamin Šeško would be a costly solution, not a simple swap.
Would blocking Zirkzee’s January exit help Manchester United?
Keeping Zirkzee makes sense if Carrick intends to use him. A player cannot provide depth from the bench indefinitely, and blocking a move without offering minutes risks frustrating the forward and the dressing room. That could damage his market value, too, if his role remains unchanged until the summer.
Still, selling or loaning him without cover would be a poor decision during a results crisis. United need alternatives who can change games late on, and Zirkzee brings height, close control and combination play that other forwards may not replicate. Carrick should resist an immediate exit, but only with a clear plan: give Zirkzee a defined role, use him in suitable matches and review his progress before the season’s final stretch.
This is a short-term football decision, not a reason to ignore the finances. If Napoli offer an acceptable fee and United secure a credible replacement, the club should reconsider. Until then, keeping him is the safer call at Old Trafford.
