Roma circle as Zirkzee seeks Old Trafford exit in January

Tell you what, this one’s got January drama written all over it. Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee, a 24-year-old forward some have even dubbed “elite”, is agitating for a move and Serie A powerhouses are smelling opportunity. As reported by The Times’ Paul Joyce, Roma are monitoring the striker’s situation with a mid-season loan firmly on their radar, while Cesc Fàbregas’ Como are also keeping tabs.

Roma are weighing up a loan for Zirkzee as he searches for the minutes he isn’t getting at Old Trafford, a switch that could reboot his Netherlands prospects ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

For those tracking the market chatter, expect the buzz around betting sites uk to rise as this one develops.

Why Zirkzee wants a move

Under Ruben Amorim, Zirkzee’s United career has stalled. He’s managed only four substitute outings this season, totalling 82 minutes, and hasn’t started a Premier League match since April. With Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko arriving and leapfrogging him in the pecking order, the writing’s on the wall. No striker thrives on scraps, and certainly not one bought to be part of the future.

Roma and Como on alert

Roma see a low-risk, high-upside option: a technical forward with Serie A know-how who can slot in quickly. Como, guided by Fàbregas’ footballing brain, are also in the conversation. Joyce indicates both clubs are poised to act when the window opens, with a loan viewed as the sensible play.

Serie A suits the skill set

Zirkzee knows the terrain. Before his 2024 switch to United for around £36.5 million, he thrived at Bologna, registering 14 goals and nine assists in 58 appearances, and previously had a six‑month spell at Parma while on Bayern Munich’s books. Two-and-a-half seasons in Italy built a platform for his game—link play, touch, and guile—which is exactly why a return makes sense.

International stakes for the Netherlands

Ronald Koeman has overlooked him for the current international break, and competition for Oranje minutes is fierce—Memphis Depay, Wout Weghorst, Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo are all jostling. Zirkzee has one goal in six caps, and regular club action is non-negotiable if he wants to be on the plane for 2026. A sharp run from January could change the conversation in a hurry.

United-to-Italy: a growing trend

There’s a pattern here. Scott McTominay has been a revelation since heading to Napoli in 2024—instrumental in a title-winning push and even landing a Ballon d’Or nomination, finishing 18th. Rasmus Hojlund, on loan at Napoli this summer, has rediscovered his rhythm with four goals in his first six matches. Italy has been a tonic for United alumni; Zirkzee will fancy he’s the next to cash in on that bounce.

The bigger picture for United and Zirkzee

From United’s point of view, a loan protects value and gives Amorim breathing room with his new forward line. For Zirkzee, it’s about rhythm and relevance—getting back to starting, scoring and staking a claim for club and country. If Roma press the button, it looks a neat fit for all parties.

Bottom line: If Zirkzee’s route to minutes at Old Trafford remains blocked, don’t be surprised if he’s back in Serie A come January—this time with the spotlight firmly on him.