Joshua Zirkzee looks set to leave Manchester United after being left on the bench against Hull City with Michael Carrick's side chasing a goal.
Joshua Zirkzee looks destined to leave Manchester United this summer, despite playing a regular role in pre-season preparations.
The Dutchman has struggled to find the back of the net since he moved to Old Trafford in 2024, but found it twice in the summer against Rosenborg and Leeds United. Two goals in pre-season equal his record in the Premier League last term.
With Bryan Mbeumo arguably playing his best football in a United shirt through the middle, Zirkzee always seemed likely to leave Old Trafford, and Fiorentina's interest has only made it closer to completion.
A recent report said Zirkzee was out of Michael Carrick's plans at Manchester United, with Fiorentina now leading the race for his signature.
Man Utd's huge Zirkzee boost
While Zirkzee now looks more likely to leave Manchester United than to stay, reports vary on whether it will be a permanent transfer or a loan with an option to buy.
However, Tyrone Marshall has reported that the deal is now expected to be a loan with an obligation to buy.
This would be a huge boost for United, given most fans seem to have settled on the fact that it would just be a straight loan this summer.
Marshall also said that Zirkzee was ready to leave Old Trafford in the January transfer window, but a change of heart saw him remain at the club and fight for his place in the side.
But the lack of opportunities for regular meetings makes a departure seem like the most likely scenario.
Will Man Utd sign a new striker?
In the same report, Marshall said a striker could still be on the radar this summer, although United have only until Tuesday, 1 September, to complete an incoming transfer.
He also claimed that any transfers who come in now could be stop-gap signings who fill the void for the rest of the season, but maybe not on a long-term basis. A loan deal would make more sense for those players.
A new centre-forward would be a sensible move for Manchester United, given their return to the Champions League, with their eight opponents now confirmed.
Michael Carrick's side will face Bayern Munich, Roma, RB Leipzig, and Sabah at home, and Atletico Madrid, Sporting CP, Villarreal, and Como away.
Benjamin Šeško will be hungry to impress in his first European campaign at Old Trafford, but starting him every match would only burn him out. Mbeumo can fill in, but another natural striker could improve the depth at Manchester United.
