Out-of-favour Manchester United forward considering January exit amid interest from Italian clubs

Serie A sides Roma and Como are monitoring the situation of Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee ahead of a potential January move, according to reports.

Entering his second season at Old Trafford after joining Manchester United from Bologna in 2024, Zirkzee continues to struggle to break into the team.

He still made 21 starts for Manchester United last season in all competitions, but the number has gone down to zero this season, with all four of his appearances for the club being as a substitute.

The summer arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Matheus Cunha have certainly played a part, and according to The Times, the Netherlands international would consider leaving the club in January.

The report mentions that a return to Italy could be on the cards for Zirkzee as both Roma and Como are interested in him.

A January move could also prove necessary if he wants to regain his place in the Netherlands squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman made it clear that he would only consider those playing regularly for his squad.

“I don’t think they’re playing at all and have injuries,” Koeman said recently when asked about Zirkzee and Sunderland’s Brian Bobbey.

“Or they’ve transferred. If they eventually play more, they’ll remain options. But we’re also looking beyond that.”

Similar to the situation at Manchester United, Zirkzee is facing tough competition for attacking spots in the national team.

Wout Weghorst and Memphis Depay have recently been the starting strikers for the Netherlands in their recent wins over Malta and Finland, while Justin Kluivert, Cody Gakpo, and Donyell Mallen have also featured.