“The situation is different”: United ace’s dream January move in ruins after club chief’s crushing transfer admission

Joshua Zirkzee’s hopes of sealing a move to AS Roma this month have been dealt a blow after club director Ricky Massara’s latest update on the situation. Roma wants Zirkzee switch Zirkzee has struggled to consistently make an impact since joining United from Bologna in the summer of 2024. His woes, however, intensified this season under the now-dismissed manager Ruben Amorim, who clearly did not rate the forward. United confirmed Amorim’s sacking on Monday morning after 14 months in the Old Trafford dugout. He was fired amid a breakdown in his relationship with the club hierarchy, and more specifically director of football Jason Wilcox. Zirkzee found playing time under Amorim very hard to come by, leading him to strongly considering a January United exit. Roma emerged as the strongest candidate to snap up Zirkzee, who was also been linked to Everton West Ham and Leeds United. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Roma had made a proposal to United over a transfer for Zirkzee. More recently, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Zirkzee’s stance has not changed despite Amorim’s exit – he still wants to join Roma. However, Roma director Ricky Massara is of a different opinion and believes Amorim’s sacking has somewhat dented their hopes of landing the 24-year-old. Roma chief makes Zirkzee admission Massara told Sky Sports in Italy [as quoted by the Daily Mail], “He is a Manchester United centre-forward liked by many clubs, not just us.” “Naturally, the situation is different after this change of management, there are no contacts in progress, but I wouldn’t focus on individual names.” “We know this window is an opportunity to reinforce the squad in an area where we have struggled to convert chances into goals, so we will try to use it.” Massara added, “We started over the summer with a process of renewal. We knew it would take a while and several different transfer sessions. There are things we need to do that are not considered an emergency, but rather an opportunity to take.” “Don’t forget this team had a very strong 2025 of a high level and we’d like to keep that going. With so many games close together and players out through injury, international duty, even flu, it might seem to be a weaker squad than usual.” “However, the team is ready and will step up.” Massara pointed out that Atletico Madrid’s Giacomo Raspadori is another player on their radar. Feature image Molly Darlington 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!