What United have told Zirkzee about a potential January exit as striker weighs up his future – report

Manchester United have now made it clear to their wantaway forward that they will not sanction a January exit, despite his hopes of leaving mid-season.

Although Joshua Zirkzee remains a regular fixture in United’s matchday squad, he has not started a single game under Ruben Amorim since April.

So far this season, he has made five appearances, but frustratingly, he has only accumulated 92 minutes of football.

World Cup ambitions

With aspirations of representing the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Zirkzee’s limited game time is doing him no favours, especially when other Dutch strikers are playing consistently for their clubs.

To even stand a chance of being recalled by Ronald Koeman, Zirkzee’s situation must change. He needs minutes. He knows it too, which is why he is reportedly eyeing a January exit from Old Trafford.

Transfer links and club stance

While speculation around his departure continues, with AS Roma, West Ham United and Everton all linked, an intriguing development has emerged.

Not long ago, a report relayed by The Peoples Person claimed that Amorim would block both Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo from leaving in January. With Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui expected to depart for AFCON duty, United are reluctant to lose further squad depth.

Will Zirkzee leave in January?

It has already been suggested that United might resist any mid-season exits; well, it has now been firmly confirmed that the Dutch striker will not be allowed to leave.

“Joshua Zirkzee has been told there is ‘no chance’ of a mid-season departure from United,” wrote Samuel Luckhurst in his The Sun column.

Such news would have come as a blow to the 24-year-old.

A chance for redemption

However, there may yet be a twist in his Old Trafford story. With Benjamin Sesko nursing an injury, though the severity remains unclear, Zirkzee is tipped to play a more prominent role in United’s attack over the coming weeks.

If he steps up and proves he is capable of leading the line, he could earn the game time he has been craving.

Technically gifted, with superb close control, dribbling finesse and strong hold-up play, Zirkzee has the tools to make himself undroppable if he can find rhythm and confidence.

Ultimately, that could be his ticket back into the Dutch national team fold in time for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the USA and Mexico.

Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images

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