Joshua Zirkzee Drops Bombshell Decision on Manchester United Future—Exclusive
Joshua Zirkzee remains committed to staying at Manchester United during the January transfer window, according to recent reports, as he seeks to secure more consistent playing time at Old Trafford.
The Dutch striker had accumulated merely 82 minutes of Premier League action by late November, but received a chance to showcase his abilities when Benjamin Šeško sustained an injury during United's 2–2 stalemate with Tottenham Hotspur.
Following a complete 90-minute performance against Everton, Zirkzee found the net in United's dramatic 2–1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, subsequently earning his third straight starting position against a faltering West Ham United side.
The comeback of Matheus Cunha from his injury absence pushed Zirkzee back to substitute duties during Monday's dominant triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers, though additional starting opportunities may emerge as the Red Devils face the departure of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo for AFCON commitments—absences that could prompt Cunha to drop deeper and allow Zirkzee to lead the attack while Šeško continues his recovery process.
Despite connections to Serie A club Roma, Sky Sports News indicates that Zirkzee has no desire to return to Italy, where he initially gained United's attention following an outstanding campaign at Bologna.
Rather, Zirkzee remains determined to establish himself more prominently in Ruben Amorim's tactical setup, although his limited playing time since his summer 2024 arrival may have already jeopardized his inclusion in the Netherlands' roster for the forthcoming 2026 World Cup.
Overall, Zirkzee has featured 58 times for United in all competitions following his £36.5 million move, but has managed only eight goals during that period. Additionally, he's accumulated 2,610 minutes of playing time—equivalent to merely 29 complete matches.
Man Utd Target Baleba Speaks on Speculation
While discussions have emerged regarding potential January departures for Zirkzee and colleague Kobbie Mainoo, greater attention has focused on possible new arrivals at United—especially in central midfield, where injuries to Bruno Fernandes or Casemiro would leave the squad understaffed.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba represents one of several rumored targets, with United conducting preliminary discussions about acquiring the 21-year-old during the summer. However, Brighton's £100 million asking price prevented any agreement from materializing, though the 13-time Premier League champions could revive their pursuit when the summer transfer period begins.
Meanwhile, Baleba has addressed the speculation publicly, acknowledging that he's placed additional expectations on himself to maintain elite performance levels.
"I don't believe it impacted me," Baleba shared with Sky Sports News regarding whether United's interest had unsettled him. "However, I experienced significant pressure. When the season commenced, I aimed to replicate my previous season's displays.
"Daily, I strive to work diligently and return to my standard. Did I impose excessive pressure on myself? Absolutely, but I consider that beneficial.
"It benefits me because now I must overcome this pressured period and rise up to continue my efforts."