'Unhappy' Joshua Zirkzee eyeing January Man Utd exit after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim with Serie A clubs set for transfer showdown

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Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly looking to leave Manchester United in January after falling out of favour under manager Ruben Amorim. Having made just three Premier League appearances so far this season, the striker is now attracting interest from two Serie A clubs as he aims to boost his chances of making the Netherlands’ squad for the 2026 World Cup by exiting Old Trafford.

Zirkzee has reportedly become frustrated by bit-part United role

In a report from Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Zirkzee has reportedly become frustrated at being used sparingly by United head coach Amorim this season. All three of the 24-year-old’s league appearances have come from the bench, while he was also a substitute in the Red Devils’ penalty shootout defeat against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup in August. Zirkzee equally endured a difficult debut season at United following his move from Serie A side Bologna in 2024, scoring just three league goals in 32 appearances as the club finished 15th under Amorim - their worst-ever Premier League finish.

Striker wants to boost chances of making Netherlands' World Cup squad

And the report claims Zirkzee is now planning to leave United in January in order to give himself a better chance of making a Netherlands squad which is on course to book its place at next summer's World Cup. The forward, who has six caps for the Oranje, was not included in manager Ronald Koeman’s squad which recorded back-to-back victories over Malta and Finland in their recent World Cup qualifiers. The Dutch currently sit top of Group G on 16 points, three ahead of second-placed Poland, having won five and drawn one of their six fixtures.

Zirkzee attracting interest from Serie A duo Roma and Como

Having caught United's attention in Italy, Zirkzee is reportedly drawing interest back in Serie A from Roma and Como. While Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini is believed to be a firm admirer of Zirkzee, having wanted to sign him for Atalanta before the forward opted to join United, the capital club would only be able to make a loan offer when the transfer window opens. Cesc Fabregas’ Como, however, would be able to make a permanent offer to sign Zirkzee, though unlike Roma - who are competing in this season’s Europa League - they are unable to offer European football.

Amorim criticised by former Arsenal and Chelsea man Petit

It remains to be seen whether Zirkzee can force his way into the United starting eleven before the January transfer window opens up. Amorim’s men - who currently sit 10th in the Premier League table - return to action when they travel to fierce rivals Liverpool on Sunday, October 19. The Red Devils were victorious in their last outing, defeating Sunderland 2-0 on home soil in what was a good response to losing 3-1 at Brentford in their previous league fixture.

However, despite the victory over Sunderland, Amorim has been criticised by former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit as United prepare to lock horns with Liverpool this weekend. Having been questioned all season over his insistence on United lining up in his favoured 3-4-3 setup, despite winning just three of their seven league games in the formation, Amorim hit back by claiming the system is not the reason behind his side’s stuttering start to the 2025-26 campaign.

Petit goes in on Amorim ahead of United's trip to Liverpool

But speaking to Boyle Sports, Petit was unconvinced by Amorim’s comments, saying: "That's the first time I've heard a manager use that as an excuse for the failure of his players. Don't be ridiculous. Ruben Amorim is talking absolute nonsense. Your players know what you're saying is absolute nonsense too. How can you say that when you manage for Manchester United? If you are not able to deal with critics when you manage or play for big clubs and are receiving so much money, then change clubs. Don't work with top clubs.

"I read that and thought, ‘Did he seriously say that?’ I've been a player for top clubs with huge expectations. When I was on the pitch, I never tried to find excuses. You just take your own responsibility, be a man. I know I've been very upset with critics, some of what they said was unfair most of the time, but you have to deal with it.

"The beauty of football is that you have your own destiny in your hands, which means you can be on the floor after one game and then be the hero of the next. You can change that situation. You have the power to change it, so just do it.”

United produced one of their best displays under Amorim at Liverpool in 2024-25

United travel to Liverpool in the hope of producing a similar performance to the one which earned a 2-2 draw at Anfield last season. Amorim’s side played well for large spells as a late strike from Amad Diallo earned them a point following an earlier effort from defender Lisandro Martinez, with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah having scored for Liverpool.