Two-time CL winners eyeing ambitious raid on United for 24yo who is “keen on a new challenge” – report

One player who was conspicuous by his absence when Michael Carrick named his first Manchester United squad was Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman has started only four Premier League games all season, as former head coach Ruben Amorim was clearly not a fan. With his minutes drastically reduced, the Netherlands international was keen to jump ship in January, with AS Roma pushing hard for his signature. They had proposed an initial loan with a conditional obligation and had even submitted their contract with the 24-year-old’s representatives. CompetitionAppsGoalsAssistsYellowY-RRedMinutes Premier League1421100482′ EFL Cup1001008′ FA Cup10000028 Total1621200518′ 25/26 season stats via Transfermarkt Joshua Zirkzee saw his move to AS Roma get blocked However, Amorim’s sack meant an exit was blocked and it was decided that the former Bologna ace would not be allowed to leave in winter. The Giallorossi finally admitted defeat, but with Amad and Bryan Mbeumo back, and Benjamin Sesko’s red-hot form, the former Bayern Munich star is unlikely to start too many games. Which is why Juventus have identified him as their Plan B in case they fail to persuade Crystal Palace to part with Jean-Philippe Mateta as per Teamtalk. “Juventus have an eye on Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee in case they fail in their bid to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, sources confirm. Juventus’ Plan B “There is a belief that he will still do well back in Serie A, where he had a good spell with Bologna. “Roma tried to sign him this month but ran into difficulties after Ruben Amorim departed – so even a deal for the United man would not be easy, even though he is keen on a new challenge.” Despite Joshua Zirkzee being open to the possibility, it will be a difficult deal to crack unless INEOS bring in another forward. With Champions League qualification the goal, the co-owners cannot afford to leave Carrick short in the second-half of the campaign. The versatile forward is currently injured, and it will be interesting to see if he makes the matchday squad for the game against Arsenal. Should his chances continue to be limited, he might yet push for an exit later in the window. 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 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