“Man United is preparing to sacrifice a player to get rid of Zirkzee.”

Manchester United is preparing to sever ties with Joshua Zirkzee, accepting a substantial financial loss to secure the departure of the Dutch forward. The decision, according to Italian sources, reflects the player’s inability to adapt to the intense pace of the Premier League, where his impressive physical credentials have not translated into on-field performance.

Since joining Manchester United from Bologna in 2024, Zirkzee, 24, has been a significant burden for the team. Despite winning the Serie A Young Player of the Year award, the 1.93-meter forward has struggled to find his place at Old Trafford. With just nine goals and four assists in 69 appearances, his contribution has been disappointing for a player who cost £36.5 million.

His inability to stand out has led to speculation about a possible transfer back to Italy, with Juventus and AS Roma showing interest in January. Roma even negotiated a loan deal with an option to buy, but Manchester United’s lack of attacking options, exacerbated by injuries and participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, blocked any exit. The change in management, with Michael Carrick replacing Ruben Amorim, also complicated negotiations, as the team’s priorities shifted.

Now, with Carrick in charge, Zirkzee has seen his playing time reduced to just 28 minutes in four inconspicuous appearances. The situation has led the Dutch international to seriously consider leaving Old Trafford in the upcoming transfer window. Sources indicate that United is willing to accept offers starting at £22 million to facilitate his departure, an amount that aligns with the club’s need to minimize financial losses.

This move is a clear sign of the failure of the investment in the player, as his sale for such a low amount reveals how disastrous the decision to sign him was. The expectation is that returning to Italian football, with a slower pace, may offer Zirkzee an opportunity to revive his career, while Manchester United prepares to strengthen its attacking line with more proven players in the Premier League, such as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

Zirkzee’s story in Manchester is a warning about the risks of expensive transfers without a guarantee of success, and the hope is that an agreement will be reached, allowing both parties to move on to new beginnings.