United have already lined up lethal 19-goal hitman as Zirkzee’s January replacement – report

While Manchester United look to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad in the winter transfer window, they may also have to contend with departures. One player who could push for a move is striker Joshua Zirkzee. Zirkzee started Monday night’s frustrating 1-0 defeat to Everton and played the full 90 minutes. Yet one could argue that, had Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko been fit and available, he might not have been handed the nod against the Toffees. Before Monday, the Dutchman had managed only around 86 minutes of football for United this season. For a player determined to make the Netherlands’ World Cup squad ahead of other Dutch attacking options, such limited game time is hardly doing him any favours. Zirkzee open to leaving United Zirkzee, aware of his situation, is keen to leave United in January to secure regular football. While suggestions remain that United would be reluctant to sanction his exit mid-season, the logic is clear: if they secure an upgrade, why keep him? The Red Devils have already been scouring the market for potential replacements. Vitor Roque, Karl Etta Eyong, and Serhou Guirassy are some of the strikers being linked. Now, according to AS Roma Live, another exciting striking sensation has caught INEOS’ attention. Franculino links The Italian outlet reports that United are eyeing FC Midtjylland’s 21-year-old forward, Franculino, who has scored 19 goals and recorded three assists in 27 games this season. Citing journalist Paddy Keogh, they claim: “One of the English sides’ main striking targets is Franculino. English scouts have monitored the 21-year-old from Guinea-Bissau, who holds a Portuguese passport, on more than one occasion.” Notably, the Roma-affiliated site believes United’s interest in the Danish Superliga star is a significant boost to their bid to sign Zirkzee. Perfect Zirkzee replacement, “strong” Sesko competition Given his numbers, Franculino appears as clinical as they come. With United yearning for a ruthless goalscorer, something Zirkzee has yet to prove himself to be, the Midtjylland striker could well be his ideal replacement. Moreover, his arrival would provide perfect competition for Benjamin Sesko, with the two young forwards, Franculino and Sesko, pushing each other to reach their full potential. Featured image Stu Forster 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.