Man Utd star may have played his last OT match as Sky confirms Juventus interest

Juventus have reportedly joined their rivals Roma in the race for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, who could genuinely leave the club this month.The Dutchman has been struggling for minutes since the start of the season. Following the arrivals of summer signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, he found himself at the bottom of Ruben Amorim’s attacking pecking order, only earning a starting role when some of his teammates were missing due to injuries.The former Bologna star was hoping to make a good first impression on the new Man Utd boss, Michael Carrick, but he wasn’t even in the matchday squad for the Derby victory over Man City.ESPN journalist Rob Dawson revealed that the striker’s absence is due to a knock he received in training earlier this week. Joshua Zirkzee not in the squad today after picking up a knock in training, according to United. More talk in Italy that there’s still a chance he could move this month. — Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) January 17, 2026Joshua Zirkzee could still head back to Serie A in JanuaryIn addition to providing updates on the player’s condition, Dawson also revealed that the Netherlands international could still end up leaving Man Utd before the end of January. This was also echoed by Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof.“Joshua Zirkzee is missing from the Manchester derby due to injury,” he posted on his X account.“The striker is sidelined for a short period and could already have played his last match at Old Trafford if action in Italy picks up soon. The possibility of that is considerable. The Manchester United striker is reportedly keen on joining AS Roma.”(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Zirkzee’s possible move to Roma has been well-documented over the past few months, as the Italian capital side has been keen to add him to Gian Piero Gasperini’s ranks.But according to Sky Sport Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the Giallorossi could have company in the race, as Juventus are also considering a move.Juventus keeping tabs on Zirkzee’s situation at Man UtdThe transfer market insider insists that the Turin-based giants are determined to sign Crystal Palace bomber Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has also been on Man Utd’s shortlist, but they have identified Zirkzee as a fallback option.It should be noted that Carrick decided to drop Sesko from the starting lineup on his debut, which could spell further bad news for the already-frustrated Zirkzee. Zirkzee’s stats at Man Utd Appearances Goals Assists 2024/25 49 7 3 2025/26 16 2 1 The English head coach is seemingly in favour of fielding Mbeumo in the No.9 role to make room for Amad Diallo on the right wing. The Cameroonian responded well to the change, scoring the all-important opener against Man City.If this trend continues, Zirkzee might find himself third in line for the striker role in a season where United hardly need extra depth due to the lack of commitments. Therefore, the Dutchman might soon be marked as surplus to requirements, opening the door for a return to Italy.