Manchester United have slammed shut the possibility of striker Joshua Zirkzee leaving the club during the January transfer window, according to a key figure at Italian side Roma.
Managerial Chaos Scuppers Roma's Plans
The dramatic change follows the sudden dismissal of manager Ruben Amorim earlier this week. Roma's sporting director, Ricky Massara, has now publicly stated that the prospect of signing the 24-year-old Dutch forward this month now looks "highly unlikely".
"Manchester United have closed all doors now with the managerial change," Massara confirmed, directly linking the collapse of the deal to Amorim's departure. Zirkzee, who joined United from Bologna in a £37.5million move in 2024, had reportedly been eager to seek a move away from Old Trafford after falling out of favour under the Portuguese coach.
Roma Forced to Look Elsewhere for Attacking Reinforcements
With Amorim gone and caretaker boss Darren Fletcher in temporary charge, the club's stance on Zirkzee has hardened, dashing Roma's hopes. The Serie A club had identified the forward as a priority signing to address their struggles in front of goal. "We know this window is an opportunity to reinforce the squad in an area where we have struggled to convert chances into goals, so we will try to use it," Massara admitted earlier this week.
Faced with this setback, Roma have swiftly turned their attention to other targets. Massara confirmed ongoing negotiations for Atletico Madrid forward Giacomo Raspadori, though he noted the timing was complicated by the Spanish Supercup. "The situation is evolving... We expect it to be resolved one way or another fairly soon," he added.
Amorim's Exit Impacts More Than Just Zirkzee
The fallout from Amorim's sacking extends beyond the transfer market. The manager was axed by United's owners, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, on Monday after he publicly criticised the club's hierarchy following the 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road.
His departure also appears to have altered the immediate prospects of other squad members. Young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, a product of the United academy, saw his playing time limited under Amorim despite showing promise under previous boss Erik ten Hag. Speaking ahead of United's FA Cup clash with Brighton, caretaker manager Darren Fletcher suggested Mainoo was now in a better position. "He's in a good place," Fletcher stated. "I know Kobbie, and I think he knows me... so he's comfortable with his environment."
For now, with the doors firmly closed on a January departure, Joshua Zirkzee's immediate future remains at Old Trafford as the club navigates a period of significant transition.
