Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is facing fresh scrutiny over his long-term future at Old Trafford following a series of critical assessments from high-profile pundits who have urged INEOS to sell the 24-year-old. The former Bologna striker, who joined the club in a £36.5 million deal in July 2024, failed to impress during a rare start in a goalless draw against Sunderland, leading to claims that he lacks the physical profile required to lead the line for the 20-time English champions.
Zirkzee’s physical profile questioned by Gray and Merson
Speaking on talkSPORT, pundit Micky Gray delivered a blunt verdict on the Dutch international, describing him as "not a Man United player" and criticising his inability to utilise his stature effectively. Despite being a physical presence, Gray noted that "everything bounces off him" and labelled the striker as "weak" in his hold-up play. This sentiment was echoed by Paul Merson on Sky Sports, who suggested that while Zirkzee is a technical player, he is not the right fit for the club. Merson highlighted that United's squad depth remains "shallow" for their upcoming Champions League campaign, concluding that Zirkzee is unlikely to succeed under the current sporting structure led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Squad overhaul and tactical evolution under INEOS
The criticism arrives at a time when Manchester United’s recruitment strategy has shifted significantly under the influence of interim manager Michael Carrick and the INEOS hierarchy. Having already secured Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo during the summer 2025 window, the club has demonstrated a willingness to pivot away from signings that do not deliver immediate returns. Zirkzee’s struggle for minutes throughout the 2025/26 season follows a trend of ruthless exits at Old Trafford, including the departure of established figures like Marcus Rashford to Barcelona and Scott McTominay to Napoli. With a Champions League return secured, interest will now turn to whether the club triggers a permanent departure for the striker to facilitate further investment in the frontline.
With the summer transfer window approaching, the United hierarchy must now decide if Zirkzee remains compatible with the squad's increased physical demands or if he will be the next high-profile departure of the INEOS era.