Man Utd striker set for summer exit with replacement options considered

Rusty Gorelick
  • 18 Feb 2026 20:45 GMT
  • 2 min read
Michael Carrick, Man Utd
© IMAGO

Joshua Zirkzee, one of Man Utd’s key signings in the summer of 2024, is said to be on his way out of the club after just two seasons, according to TeamTalk.

Article continues under the video

Man Utd revamped their attack in the summer of 2025, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko.

The presence and strong form of those three summer signings has left Zirkzee with just 492 Premier League minutes in 2025/26, and he has started four of his 16 appearances in the league.

STATS
Player image Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Man Utd logo

Man Utd

Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee

F (C)

Man Utd

Man Utd

All Tournaments

2025/26

  • 18

    Games

  • 2

    Goals

  • 1

    Assists

Zirkzee’s last start for Man Utd was in the club’s 1-1 draw with bottom-of-the-table Wolves on 30 December.

He scored his side’s only goal in the game, but was subbed off at halftime by then-manager Ruben Amorim.

Zirkzee’s options in Italy and England

Zirkzee came close to departing Old Trafford to join Roma in January, but the deal never materialised.

The club from Italy’s capital may come back in for the six-time Netherlands international, and West Ham are also reported to be interested in the player.

The Hammers are currently in the relegation zone in 18th place, four points from safety, so their ability to spend may decrease if they fall to the Championship.

Man Utd eye more attacking reinforcements

Zirkzee could be sold to raise funds for more attacking additions at Old Trafford.

With nine goals and three assists in 67 appearances for Man Utd, it is unlikely that the club would make a profit against the €42.5 million it paid for him in 2024.

Christian Pulisic of AC Milan is rumoured to be a target, as are Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, Chelsea’s Liam Delap, Koln’s Said El Mala, and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.

Man Utd are also in the market for a midfielder, and with no European football in 2025/26, selling players is all the more important.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

Google Play

App Store

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.