Troubled United star prepared to make huge sacrifice to seal Old Trafford exit in January – report

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly prepared to make a major sacrifice to aid his hopes of leaving the club during the winter transfer window. Zirkzee open to United departure Zirkzee is enduring a difficult start to the 2025/26 season, with the player only managing 82 minutes of top-flight action this season. He has primarily had to be content with a place on the bench following the summer signings of the attacking trio of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. Zirkzee is desperate for playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup and is believed to be exploring his options ahead of January. United and Ruben Amorim are adamant that he will not be allowed to leave but the Dutchman is slowly resigning himself to the likelihood that his future may lie elsewhere. Some of the clubs Zirkzee continues to be linked to include AS Roma, AC Milan, West Ham, Everton, Sevilla and Brighton and Hove Albion. A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that a return to the Serie A is Zirkzee’s preference. Now, Franco-Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has given an update, indicating that Roma have already initiated talks with Zirkzee’s agent regarding a potential transfer. Tavolieri further notes that the 24-year-old is willing to take a pay cut to bring his United nightmare to an end and get his career back on track. Zirkzee prepared to make sacrifice According to Tavolieri [via Get Football News France], Zirkzee would almost certainly have to lower his wage demands for a switch to Roma to get over the line. Tavolieri explains that this would not be an issue for Zirkzee, who is willing to take the financial hit in the hopes of having regular first-team minutes at a top club. It was previously noted that United may be convinced to let Zirkzee go if a suitor offers to cover his full wages. If he agrees to slash his salary and Roma comply, then a transfer is firmly on the cards. For now, Zirkzee remains focused on United and trying to improve his situation. He and his teammates are next in action on Saturday when they take on Tottenham Hotspur in North London. Featured image Michael Regan 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 Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!