Manchester United open to loaning out of favour striker as Roma circle

Soccer Football – Premier League – Manchester United v Brighton & Hove Albion – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – October 25, 2025 Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee reacts REUTERS/Phil Noble EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..

Manchester United are willing to sanction a January loan deal for striker Joshua Zirkzee. The 24-year-old has struggled to secure first regular first team minutes since joining United in 2024, and has played just 90 total minutes across all competitions so far this season.

He now finds himself in search of first team minutes, and is reportedly ready to hand in an official transfer request in January. He could get his wish, as TBR Football has reported that United is ready to sanction a loan departure with many clubs already expressing interest.

Serie A side Roma is one the clubs most keen, having reportedly made Zirkzee their number one target in January. They could cut short the loan of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson to make space for Zirkzee, such is their interest in the player.

Zirkzee will have fond memories of Serie A, after a strong 2023/24 campaign with Bologna where he scored 11 goals in 34 games. Premier clubs West Ham and Everton are also known admirers of the player.

Zirkzee had to settle for a supporting role behind Rasmus Hojlund when he made his move to Manchester from Bologna two summer ago. The pair struggled for impact during United’s lowest ever scoring campaign in 2024/2025, combining for just seven league goals.

While Hojlund has now departed the club on loan to Napoli, United’s heavy summer investments have seen Zirkzee pushed even further down the pecking order. The Red Devils spent around £200m on the additions of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko.

TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey added that Zirkzee’s lack of first team opportunities is the main catalyst for a January move, stating the player has possible suitors from England, Italy, Spain, France, and Germany.

With next summer’s World Cup approaching, Zirkzee is aware that he will need to be playing regularly in order to be considered by Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.