'That club is a CESSPOOL!': Man Utd star criticised for 'following the money' with failed transfer

Suraj Radia
Suraj Radia
  • Updated: 17 Oct 2025 11:03 BST
  • 4 min read
Ruben Amorim, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Man Utd, finances
© IMAGO

Joshua Zirkzee’s agent has been criticised for ‘following the money’ and sending the forward to a ‘cesspool’ in Manchester United after the forwards struggles since his arrival.

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Zirkzee joined United from Bologna last summer for €42.5 million but he only managed three Premier League goals during his debut campaign and has played just 74 minutes this season.

Current ETV
Player image Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Man Utd logo

Man Utd

Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Man Utd

Man Utd

€37M

ETV Range

€33.3M - €40.7M

The 24-year-old is expected to push to leave Old Trafford and return to Italy during the January transfer window after generating interest from a number of Serie A sides, having seen Rasmus Hojlund thrive since moving to Napoli on loan from United in the summer.

Zirzkee’s future was discussed by Tuttomercatoweb and one Italian analyst blasted the player’s decision to join United, believing that the club is to blame for the Dutchman’s struggles.

“The question isn't whether he's a fraud or a great player, but he took the wrong path,” Franco Ordine said. “He ended up at a club that's become a cesspool, just look at how [Rasmus] Hojlund was reborn in Naples.

“The agent chose money instead of thinking about his client's career.”

Zirkzee set for Man Utd exit in January

Zirkzee has struggled for minutes since the arrival of Amorim last year, with his troubles culminating during a game against Newcastle in January when he was substituted in the first half to jeers by United fans.

Joshua Zirkzee has struggled for minutes at Man Utd this season.
© IMAGO - Joshua Zirkzee has struggled for minutes at Man Utd this season.

Since then, the forward has found himself on the fringes of United’s team and, after failing to break into the side at the start of this season, Zirkzee is believed to be unhappy and looking to leave in order to boost his chances of being selected for the Netherlands’ World Cup squad next summer.

A return to Italy is most likely, with Roma pushing for a loan move, although Como could offer United the best package as they have the financial prowess to afford a permanent deal.

Zirkzee will be hoping to emulate the rejuvenation of Hojlund at Napoli, with the 22-year-old netting four goals in his first six games for the club across all competitions.

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