Manchester United could be staring at a major Joshua Zirkzee dilemma that threatens to spiral out of control unless it’s addressed soon.

Zirkzee rise at United

Life at United began on a challenging note for Zirkzee following his move from Bologna. He made an instant impact with a debut winner against Fulham but what promised to be a bright start quickly unravelled as his form declined.

As with many players arriving from overseas leagues, Zirkzee faced a tough adaptation period in England. United’s struggles didn’t ease the transition and together with Rasmus Hojlund (now on loan at Napoli), he unfairly became a figure of criticism among certain fans and sections of the media.

Zirkzee hit rock bottom in the December clash against Newcastle, where he was withdrawn after only three minutes. As he walked off to boos from the home crowd, he was almost reduced to tears – a sight that would have softened even his fiercest detractors.

It later emerged that Bruno Fernandes – who was suspended for the match and watching from the stands – dashed to the dressing room to console Zirkzee and persuade him to return to the bench. The striker ultimately heeded his captain’s call.

In January, there were rumours of a Zirkzee exit, with the strongest interest in him coming from Italy. The Dutchman could easily have thrown in the towel and headed back to familiar surroundings but he did the opposite. A true mark of his character, he elected to stay and fight for his place in the team.

Zirkzee’s persistence eventually bore fruit as he established himself as a key figure under Ruben Amorim, who often preferred him to the underwhelming Hojlund. Operating at times in one of the two number 10 positions, he came alive, offering glimpses of the talent that had persuaded United to secure his signature.

Zirkzee quickly won over the United faithful with his silky footwork, sharp touches, vision and crisp passing. His importance was underlined late in the 2024/25 season when an injury sidelined him for weeks. It’s hard not to wonder if the Europa League final with Tottenham Hotspur might have turned out differently had he been available at full strength.

However, Zirkzee has struggled to carry forward the momentum from the end of last season. Another injury setback sidelined him for pre-season and the start of the current campaign.

United’s summer rebuild zeroed in on firepower, with the club bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and striker Benjamin Sesko. The trio have been thrust straight into the starting XI, leaving one big question: what now for Zirkzee?

United’s Zirkzee dilemma

Hojlund’s last-minute departure could have hinted at an easier path for Zirkzee, yet the reality so far paints an entirely different story.

Currently, Amorim seems set on using Cunha and Mbeumo as his starting twin tens. The pair have developed good chemistry and were United’s most dangerous players, at least until Cunha picked up an injury. Amorim’s insistence on deploying Cunha and Mbeumo has even seen Fernandes relegated to a deeper role. A report covered by The Peoples Person highlighted that Fernandes does not relish being in the pivot.

When changes are required in the number 10 role, Amorim has generally opted for Mason Mount or Amad instead of Zirkzee.

Then at striker, Amorim seems set on making Sesko work, singing his praises in the media repeatedly since he joined. In effect, Zirkzee is consigned to the bench behind Sesko. This situation is made even more challenging given United’s limited schedule, with only weekly matches due to the absence of European football and an early Carabao Cup exit.

Ahead of United’s Saturday meeting with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, Zirkzee has made three appearances for United across all competitions, with all of them coming as a substitute.  With only 77 minutes on the pitch, Zirkzee’s chances of meaningful playing time seem slim unless something drastic shifts at Old Trafford.

At the moment, there is no indication that the 24-year-old is disgruntled. But if the situation continues, that could change, potentially creating bigger issues.

Rumours are already circulating that potential suitors are monitoring Zirkzee ahead of the winter transfer window. If opportunities under Amorim remain limited, he could consider a move, particularly with the 2026 World Cup approaching.

If Zirkzee were to leave, United would be losing a player with a rare skill set and a range of attributes capable of troubling opposition defences. Amorim therefore faces a delicate balancing act between implementing his tactical ideas and managing Zirkzee’s role in the team.

Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images

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