According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma is expected to loan Zirkzee for six months, with a mandatory purchase clause in the summer for approximately 45 million USD. The deal could be finalized by mid-January, as Man Utd anticipates the return of two attacking players, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, after their participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). If completed, Man Utd would largely recoup its initial investment, having signed Zirkzee in the summer of 2024 for 46 million USD. He arrived with high expectations as the first major signing under Jim Ratcliffe.

Zirkzee's limited playing time at Man Utd prompted him to seek a new club to secure a starting spot, with an eye on the 2026 World Cup. The Dutch striker had several discussions with Roma's sporting director Ricky Massara and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, leading to his agreement to move to Serie A. Gasperini reportedly convinced Zirkzee by assuring him that he would fit into Roma's 3-4-2-1 formation, a system that would allow the Dutch forward to play flexibly across all three attacking positions and previously brought Gasperini success with Atalanta.

Joshua Zirkzee celebrates after scoring the decisive penalty in Man Utd's FA Cup victory over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium, London, England on 12/1. *Photo: AP*

Despite a dream start where he scored the only goal in Man Utd's 1-0 victory over Fulham in the first round of the 2024-2025 Premier League season, Zirkzee gradually lost his place. This decline was particularly noticeable since coach Ruben Amorim took over in 11/2024. In total, the Dutch forward scored only 7 goals in 49 appearances for the club.

Meanwhile, Man Utd rejected selling midfielder Kobbie Mainoo following an injury to team captain Bruno Fernandes. In a press conference before their 1-0 victory over Newcastle in Premier League round 18 last weekend, coach Ruben Amorim reiterated that Kobbie Mainoo is Man Utd's future. The Portuguese manager stated: "Mainoo will get his chance, he has enough time. Mainoo can play in various positions: defensive midfielder, as part of a three-man midfield, or a deep-lying number 10 role like Mason Mount in the last match. Mainoo just needs to wait for his opportunity, because in football, things can change in just two days."

Fernandes (left) and Mainoo during a Premier League match with Man Utd in the 2023-2024 season. *Photo: AFP*

This season, Mainoo has only started one League Cup match and has made a total of 12 appearances across all competitions. The English midfielder is reportedly interested in moving to Napoli, where former Man Utd player Scott McTominay is currently playing successfully. However, Amorim ruled out the possibility of Mainoo leaving on loan in January, making the deal less likely. "If there's no replacement, it will be very difficult for anyone to leave the club. Even with a full squad, we still lack depth for potential situations", he said.

According to the English newspaper Sportmail, Man Utd is cautious about short-term January signings and may wait until the summer to strengthen its midfield. The Old Trafford club is monitoring James Garner (Everton), a player who came through Man Utd's academy and is entering the final six months of his contract, as a cost-effective option before committing resources to larger targets in the summer.

By Hong Duy (from Daily Mail, La Gazzetta dello Sport)