Two European giants storm into the race for reinvigorated United forward – report

The future of Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee remains up in the air with the January transfer window fast approaching. It looked all but certain that the Dutchman would be leaving mid-season after Ruben Amorim omitted him from the starting lineup 12 times. AS Roma were in pole position to land the versatile attacker, with the Serie A side offering a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season. The Netherlands international had even said yes to the move, with INEOS having the final say. Then Benjamin Sesko got injured. Joshua Zirkzee importance has grown With no other strikers in the squad, the head coach was forced to turn to the ex-Bologna ace, who has started the last three Premier League games. He finally ended his goal drought in the win over Crystal Palace, and with Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui set to depart for AFCON after the Bournemouth game, Amorim is likely to keep counting on him. As a result of these enforced changes, both club and head coach want him to stay at Old Trafford beyond the winter window, with the co-owners even rejecting Roma’s offer. And the former Bayern Munich star also hinted that he is happy at United, but interest in his services continues to rise. Juventus, AC Milan join the hunt As per Calciomercato, long-term admirers, Juventus, and AC Milan are now eyeing the United No.11. The Bianconeri need a source of goals following Dusan Vlahovic’s injury and with the continued struggles of Jonathan David upfront. The Rossoneri are also in the market for an attacker considering the potential departure of Santiago Giménez. “The Dutch striker has scored 1 goal in 7 games, just 340 minutes in the league and the looming shadow of Sesko hanging over him. The former Bologna player could become a hot name as early as January for Roma, Juve and Milan. “The Giallorossi have been looking for a loan opportunity for some time; he would be the perfect striker for Gasperini. United need all hands on deck “Juventus are also keeping an eye on him, as they’re dealing with Vlahovic’s serious injury; finally, with the possible departure of Gimenez, the management at Via Aldo Rossi might consider revisiting the situation.” United are unlikely to entertain any loan bids. The Red Devils will be best served by holding on to the Dutch forward at least till the end of the season. Only when INEOS bring in sufficient backup, should they consider letting Joshua Zirkzee leave. Feature image Ion Alcoba Beitia 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