Seven-time CL winners join the race for United star yearning for January exit – report

Manchester United had to settle for a point from their previous Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday. Despite taking the lead in the first half, United capitulated within five minutes of the restart, with Diogo Dalot at fault for the second. Needing a goal to equalise, Ruben Amorim surprisingly opted not to make any attacking substitutions, instead preferring to tweak things at the back. Amad did come up with a stunning equaliser, but question marks have been raised regarding why the head coach did not turn to the likes of Mason Mount or Joshua Zirkzee. Amorim did not turn to Joshua Zirkzee vs Forest The Dutchman is yet to start a single game this season, and has managed a grand total of 90 minutes in all competitions. As a result, it is not surprising to hear that the 24-year-old is desperate to leave Old Trafford. Given next year’s World Cup, the ex-Bologna ace is desperate to make the Netherlands national team, and for that to happen, he will have to play regularly. Amorim does not want him to leave, and once Amad and Bryan Mbeumo depart for AFCON, there is a possibility his minutes will increase. But as per Sky Sports Switzerland, Joshua Zirkzee has asked his entourage to find him a loan exit during the January transfer window. There is interest from within the Premier League, but a return to Italy makes a lot of sense given his record in that league. And, AC Milan have joined AS Roma in the race for the United No.11. Interestingly, a temporary move back to Serie A would have to involve the versatile forward taking a pay cut as Italian sides cannot match the figure he currently earns in Manchester. Zirkzee wants to leave in January “Signed for a hefty fee, the Manchester United striker is unhappy under Ruben Amorim, where he’s getting little playing time. Having fallen out of favor, the Dutchman has already told his entourage to find him a loan deal in January to revive his career. “A key player for Bologna under Thiago Motta, the Dutchman remains highly regarded in Serie A, where Gian Piero Gasperini’s AS Roma are looking to bolster their attack. Very active in pursuing him, the Giallorossi have already begun discussions with Zirkzee’s agents to reach a salary agreement. “Given his substantial earnings in Manchester, the striker will have to make an effort and has already indicated he would be willing to accept a pay cut to revitalize his career. Also interested in him, AC Milan are monitoring Zirkzee’s situation and could enter the race for his signature in the next transfer window.” After a meeting with the Netherlands international, INEOS had reportedly told him and Kobbie Mainoo that all loan requests will be blocked. Whether anything has changed behind-the-scenes or if permanent offers will now be entertained, only time will tell. Feature image Michael Steele via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25