Frustrated £36.5m Manchester United attacker closing in on exit from Old Trafford

Last Updated on 8 October 2025

After a massive summer clear-out that included a number of high-profile exits, Ruben Amorim is ready to push another big-money signing out of the door.

With only three substitute appearances and a snub in the League Cup loss to Grimsby Town, as well, Joshua Zirkzee has fallen out of favor.

New signings Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo have all been favored over the Dutch national at Manchester United.

Joshua Zirkzee likely to leave after being frustrated with game time under Ruben Amorim

The 24-year-old joined Manchester United from Serie A side, Bologna, in 2024.

Signed by fellow Dutchman, Erik ten Hag, Zirkzee went on to make 49 appearances during his debut season.

Even after ten Hag’s sacking, Zirkzee found himself making regular appearances for Ruben Amorim. However, an injury sidelined him toward the end of the season.

Since then, United have gone on to splash over £200m on new attackers. Zirkzee, as a result, has fallen down the pecking order.

With no European games to play and a second-round exit in the League Cup, there is also little chance of rotation. From Zirkzee’s perspective, that’s a major problem as games are hard to come by only in the Premier League.

The 2026 World Cup is set to begin next summer and Zirkzee would want to cement his place in the squad.

As a result, he’s exploring his options ahead of a move in the January transfer window. Juventus, Napoli and Como are all expected to firm up their interest with a bid in January, as per The Sun. While, PSV are also in the race, offering Zirkzee a route back to the Netherlands.

Could Ruben Amorim outlast Joshua Zirkzee at Old Trafford?

The hierarchy at United are already planning for the January window. But who will be at the helm come January?

Speaking on The Overlap, Jamie Carragher revealed he expects United to sack Amorim before Christmas. If that were to happen, it could drastically change Zirkzee’s situation at Old Trafford.

Amorim has been criticized by former legend, Wayne Rooney, who made a major claim saying he had ‘no faith’ in the Portuguese manager.

Meanwhile, the 40-year-old has remained stubborn saying he will not change his system, no matter what.