SullyTalkz exclusive: Failed loan negotiations to Italy have stalled the Dutch forward’s exit, forcing Michael Carrick to integrate the versatile attacker into an overcrowded front line at Old Trafford.
Roundtable understands that, despite interest this summer, Joshua Zirkzee is now likely to stay at Manchester United for the coming season.
Michael Carrick has brought in four new first-team additions this summer: midfielders Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba, alongside second-choice goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Many United fans had been pleading for a new left-back to be signed, with a new forward also on the cards should Zirkzee leave, but with the window drawing to a close, it looks increasingly likely that this will not be the case.
United have spent £155 million on transfers this summer, but following multiple exits, their net spend sits at around £104 million, lower than the likes of Ipswich Town and Coventry.
Sources: Zirkzee to stay at United
Zirkzee had been closely linked with a move back to Serie A, with Fiorentina or Juventus touted, although both moves have fallen away, with the former signing Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade on loan and the latter bringing in Everton's Beto for £15 million.
Roundtable understands that it is becoming likely that Zirkzee will now stay at Old Trafford for the coming season, having failed to find a move away from the club on Tuesday.
Last week, many at United thought he was going to leave, with the player even missing a training session to last week in order to sort out a loan to the Italian first division.
However, nothing progressed, and despite other windows remaining open beyond the Premier League deadline, a move away from the club is not expected to materialise.
It is understood that head coach Michael Carrick wanted a new striker through the door before the end of the transfer window.
How can Zirkzee fit into Carrick's plans?
With Zirkzee likely to stay, the question now becomes how he is expected to fit into the managers plans for the coming campaign.
Depth is always important at any club competing on multiple fronts, and Zirkzee did show himself to be a useful forward in pre-season, although the return of Benjamin Šeško complicates matters.
United have five forwards who are capable of leading the line in Zirkzee, Šeško, Marcus Rashford, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, which leaves Zirkzee in a scenario where he may not see many minutes in the coming months.
However, his ability in tight spaces and on the ball could become a very useful weapon for Carrick in European fixtures and a surprise alternative option off the bench if needed.
