Manchester United will refuse Zirkzee’s loan deal request despite almost zero playing time.
Manchester United will reject Joshua Zirkzee’s expected request to leave Old Trafford on loan when the transfer window reopens, as Bryan Mbeumo’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations will leave manager Ruben Amorim with limited attacking options, GIVEMESPORT has revealed.
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The Red Devils weren’t afraid to spend money this summer, as Benjamin Sesko arrived as a new striker option after a move worth up to £73.7m from RB Leipzig, but it has meant that already existing members of the squad have to deal with the fact that they get a lot less game time.
Manchester United could reject Zirkzee’s loan deal
Manchester United are threatening to block Zirkzee’s attempts to agitate for a loan deal in the winter transfer window, as Amorim will be keen to have him among his options while Mbeumo is on international duty with Cameroon during the Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament, which starts on December 21, means that the Red Devils are aware that they may have to do without their summer signing for up to six games – including the derby against rivals Manchester City – if Cameroon advances to the final on January 18.
Zirkzee is likely to seek game time elsewhere in January, having been disappointed with the amount of game time Amorim has given him in the early stages of the season, but Manchester United will not risk being left without enough attacking options.
The numbers: Joshua Zirkzee is limited to 91 minutes of playing time in the Premier League this season
The 24-year-old striker, who has a contract that sees him earn more than £130,000 a week when bonuses are triggered, has fallen down the hierarchy after the Red Devils decided to go on a summer shopping spree in response to their failure to achieve European qualification and silver last season.
But Zirkzee is still seen as their backup striker by Manchester United, Bates has revealed, and that has led to Amorim and key decision-makers facing a dilemma over whether to allow him to make a temporary move away from Old Trafford mid-season.
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Although the Dutch international has been in the Red Devils’ squad since signing a £36.5m transfer from Serie A club Bologna in July 2024, he has failed to establish himself as a regular name in the team and has been hoping to improve his chances of securing a World Cup call-up.
Also at Saturday’s Premier League game at The City Ground against Nottingham Forest, Joshua Zirkzee was left on the bench.
