When Joshua Zirkzee left Bologna for Manchester United, he was coming off 18 goal involvements in 37 club matches and a deserved call-up to the European Championships. But once he arrived at Old Trafford, it became clear that the move was not going to live up to its promise.
Zirkzee’s first season in Manchester saw his total goal involvements cut in half to nine, while his minutes played dropped by almost 700. This year, the Dutchman has logged just 99 minutes, without a single start. Even with Benjamin Sesko sidelined due to injury, Zirkzee is still not expected to start. Matheus Cunha will likely step up to play the nine, while Amad pushes up into the attack.
The drop in both opportunities and form at the club level has left Joshua Zirkzee’s World Cup dreams in jeopardy. Players like RC Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha and Napoli’s Noa Lang, who are playing consistently for their clubs, have taken spots ahead of the 24-year-old in World Cup Qualifiers.
The only option for Zirkzee is to find a new club. According to La Gazetta dello Sport, Roma leads the race for the Dutch forward, and the Serie A side is ready to take him on loan in January and include a buy option for €35 million. Everton and West Ham are two Premier League sides interested, but a return to Italy is more likely.
Obviously, another injury in Ruben Amorim’s forward line could thrust Zirkzee into a more prominent role, especially with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo away during AFCON. Even so, with United already exploring alternative attacking options, a departure remains the more likely outcome.
If Joshua Zirkzee leaves in January, who should Manchester United pursue?
United Beyond Manchester 
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