Man Utd Begin Striker Search Amid Joshua Zirkzee Exit Claims

Manchester United have played their first two matches of pre-season under Michael Carrick – a 1-0 loss to Championship Wrexham and a 5-0 win against Rosenborg. 

The next match is on Saturday, 1 August, against Atletico Madrid, which will be United's biggest test so far, although several first-team players will still be absent due to their post-World Cup breaks. 

This has seen the likes of Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey start among the more senior players, but the most surprising inclusion in the strongest lineup could be Joshua Zirkzee. 

The Dutchman has struggled for consistency during his time at Old Trafford and only found the back of the net twice last term. After his poor 2025/26 season, many fans have expected Zirkzee to leave Manchester United, and interest seems to be arriving. 

United are said to be in "advanced talks" to sell Zirkzee, and have now begun their preparations for if he leaves the club. 

Benjamin Šeško impressed towards the back end of last season under Michael Carrick, so United are unlikely to want a new addition who is going to force Šeško to the bench. Instead, as reported by The I Paper, they are targeting a more experienced centre-forward to join on a short-term basis. 

Danny Welbeck was said to be the "perfect option", but he looks set to join Xabi Alonso's Chelsea as the former Real Madrid manager targets some experienced heads to join the young squad at Stamford Bridge. 

One name who has been mentioned is former Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. He netted 12 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions last season, but is a free agent this summer. 

Barcelona have been linked with the 26-year-old, but he remains an option as United arrive on the striker market. 

Another option is Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, although this seems more unlikely as Villa would demand a higher fee than United would want to pay. 

Roundtable have previously exclusively reported that Michael Carrick will have a say in transfers this summer – more than his predecessor, Rúben Amorim. 

Therefore, any new striker signing that United will look to make will have to be in line with Michael Carrick's vision at Old Trafford. 

Vlahovic on a free transfer could be a good option, but his form has been shaky in recent years. Watkins could be good, too, but he will want to start ahead of Šeško. 

United have to look for an experienced man who Šeško can learn from while maintaining his role as the starting centre-forward. That is not easy search criteria.