Manchester United star wants a permanent move as West Ham close in on out-of-favour Dutchman

Last Updated on 24 October 2025

Ruben Amorim has definitely changed the mood at Old Trafford, delivering a huge win at Anfield for the first time in 9 years.

However, Amorim’s stuck to his principles and that has meant keeping out some fan favorites like selling Alejandro Garnacho and not starting Kobbie Mainoo.

As a result, a couple of players are already looking to seal moves away from Manchester United ahead of the January transfer window.

Marcus Rashford wants to make Barcelona move permanent as West Ham lead race for Joshua Zirkzee

Marcus Rashford was one of the big name players who fell out of favour after Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag.

After spending some time at Aston Villa on loan, Marcus Rashford secured another loan move, this time to Barcelona. The England international has impressed largely at the Camp Nou, coming up with 10 goal involvements in 12 appearances, so far this season.

And now, Rashford has confirmed his desire to stay in Spain. Asked by ESPN if he wanted to stay, the 27-year-old said, “For sure, I’m enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour.”

Joshua Zirkzee is another attacker who has seen less action with the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

As per The Mirror, Zirkzee is expected to leave Old Trafford in January with the Hammers leading the race for his signature.

The Dutch attacker has only made 4 appearances so far this season, playing less than 90 minutes combined for the Red Devils.

Ruben Amorim’s £196m new-look attack crucial to Manchester United’s resurgence

The Portuguese manager went against the grain and decided to revamp United’s entire attack.

That meant getting rid of big-money signings, like Rasmus Hojlund, Antony and talented academy products like Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford.

However, his new-look attack is already delivering the goods with Bryan Mbeumo scoring at Anfield in United’s big win. The Cameroonian has already racked up 4 goal involvements at Old Trafford, while Matheus Cunha also impressed.

Benjamin Sesko has taken some time to get going but he has two goals in the Premier League and looks to be a part of the league, in terms of physicality.

United face their boogey-team Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday. A win against the Seagulls would propel them ahead of bitter rivals and champions, Liverpool, albeit with an extra game played.

But it would be a huge statement of intent for a club that finished 16th in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.