Joshua Zirkzee, the 24-year-old Manchester United forward, is facing increasing pressure to leave Old Trafford this summer after a disappointing season culminated in a blunt assessment from pundits following a 0-0 draw at Sunderland. Despite United securing Champions League qualification under interim head coach Michael Carrick, Zirkzee has struggled for impact, starting only five Premier League fixtures this term and contributing just two goals. Following his 65-minute withdrawal at the Stadium of Light, several reports indicate that the INEOS-led recruitment team is being urged to offload the Dutch international to streamline a squad that has already seen heavy investment in alternative attacking options.
Gray delivers scathing Zirkzee verdict
Speaking on talkSPORT, former Sunderland defender Micky Gray criticised the forward's physical presence and suitability for the club. "He’s just not a Man United player," Gray said, noting that despite the striker's stature, he appeared "weak" against the Sunderland backline. Gray further suggested that Zirkzee is a primary candidate for a summer exit, stating he "can’t believe" the forward is still at the club. While Carrick defended the player's link-up play in his post-match comments, acknowledging that Zirkzee was occasionally "isolated," the statistical reality suggests a fringe role. Since his £36.5m move from Bologna in July 2024, Zirkzee has failed to establish himself as a reliable goalscorer, often appearing surplus to requirements in United's tactical setup.
INEOS recruitment shift leaves Zirkzee vulnerable
The 2025/26 season has seen a significant change in Manchester United's attacking hierarchy, with INEOS prioritising Premier League-proven or high-ceiling talents. The arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo in the summer of 2025 have effectively pushed Zirkzee to the bottom of the pecking order. With only 36 appearances across all competitions and limited goal contributions, his profile no longer aligns with the club's push for efficiency under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). As United prepare for a return to the Champions League next season, the board is expected to focus on high-reliability assets, potentially making Zirkzee’s departure a necessity to balance the wage bill and squad depth for a congested 2026/27 calendar.