United face league rivals in race for €50m ‘perfect’ Zirkzee replacement with 16 in 30 – report

Whether Joshua Zirkzee will still be at Manchester United by the end of the winter transfer window remains a mystery. The Dutch striker harbours ambitions of representing the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be staged across Canada, Mexico and the USA. Yet, having played a peripheral role under Ruben Amorim this season, just 82 minutes of Premier League action across four cameo appearances, the United number #11 faces a difficult path back into the national team setup. Indeed, Ronald Koeman is far more likely to turn to the likes of Wout Weghorst, Emanuel Emegha, Mexx Meerdink, Memphis Depay, Donyell Malen, Justin Kluivert and Cody Gakpo, all of whom are enjoying regular game time. Zirkzee keen to leave United Given the circumstances, and aware that a return to the national fold must be earned on the pitch, Zirkzee is eager to play more consistently. With no guarantees of minutes at Old Trafford, the striker is now actively exploring a move away in search of regular football. So far, AS Roma, AC Milan, West Ham United and Everton have all been linked with his services. While reports suggest Amorim is reluctant to lose both Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo, the former Bologna man’s determination to leave, coupled with growing interest from suitors, may force INEOS to bow to pressure. Replacement identified Should Zirkzee depart, Football Insider are claiming United already have a replacement in mind: “The Red Devils have been joined by Chelsea and Tottenham in the pursuit of Roque, who continues to dazzle with Palmeiras. “However, in United’s case, a move for the 20-year-old is unlikely unless they can shift the unwanted Dutchman to avoid weakening the squad.” Roque on a resurgence Vitor Roque initially struggled to assert himself in Europe, having joined Barcelona at just 19. The South American arguably made the leap too early and failed to find his footing, both at Camp Nou and during a loan spell with Real Betis. However, his bold decision to return home in early 2025 has proven to be a masterstroke. Since then, he has rediscovered his goalscoring touch, as the numbers (courtesy Flashscore) below highlight. Vitor Roque all time stats SeasonClubGoalsAssists 2025Palmeiras163 2025Palmeiras00 2024/2025Real Betis44 2023/2024Barcelona24 2023Athletico-PR126 2023Athletico-PR–0 2022Athletico-PR56 2022Cruzeiro00 2022Cruzeiro10 2021Cruzeiro00 Total—4625 Roque an upgrade on Zirkzee As technically gifted as Zirkzee is, replacing him with Roque could represent a significant upgrade. Should United beat Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to his signature, they would be landing a forward with a far more explosive profile. The Brazilian’s direct, high-energy style, marked by sharp dribbling, clinical finishing and relentless pressing, could provide Benjamin Sesko with the kind of competition that pushes him to reach his full potential. Featured image Alexandre Schneider 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 Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.