Manchester United's search for a new interim manager is creating significant ripples in the club's January transfer plans, with one proposed exit blocked and a Serie A giant looking to capitalise on the upheaval.
Zirkzee's Proposed Roma Switch Halted
Following the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim, the future of several Manchester United players has been thrown into doubt. One beneficiary appears to be Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee.
The £36 million forward had been the subject of serious interest from Italian side AS Roma, who were pushing for a loan deal with an option to make the transfer permanent. Zirkzee himself was reportedly interested in the switch to Serie A.
However, according to reports from Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, United have now pulled the plug on the transfer. The decision is a direct consequence of Amorim's departure, as the club waits for clarity from the next interim boss.
The deal could potentially be revived if the incoming manager, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick in talks, decides Zirkzee is not part of his plans. Conversely, working under a legendary striker like Solskjaer could offer the 24-year-old a fresh chance to revive his career at Old Trafford.
Juventus Eye Mazraoui Amid Managerial Void
Elsewhere, the ongoing uncertainty at Manchester United is attracting attention from rivals looking to strengthen their own squads. Juventus are reportedly aiming to take advantage of the situation by making a move for Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui.
The Italian giants, who are targeting both a winger and a full-back this month, have placed the versatile 28-year-old on their shortlist. Juventus believe Mazraoui's experience and flexibility would boost their Serie A title challenge.
They are reportedly hopeful that the current power vacuum at United, as the club delays appointing a permanent manager until the summer, could work in their favour and facilitate a deal.
Mazraoui is currently away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. He helped Morocco secure a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon, a match featuring Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo. With Morocco's semi-final scheduled for Wednesday, Mazraoui is not expected to return to the UK until the final third of January, adding another layer of complexity to any potential transfer discussions.
Interim Manager Talks Dominate Old Trafford Agenda
The backdrop to all transfer activity remains the hunt for a temporary boss. Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is holding talks with club officials this weekend about taking the reins for the remainder of the season.
Another fan favourite, Michael Carrick, is also under consideration. The club's hierarchy has decided to wait until the summer to appoint a permanent successor to Amorim, when a wider pool of elite coaches is expected to be available.
This period of transition is directly influencing player movements, with some individuals now more likely to stay and others potentially edging closer to the exit. The decisions of the new interim manager in the coming days will be crucial in setting United's course for the rest of the January window and the season ahead.
