Manchester United have halted Joshua Zirkzee's proposed January transfer to Roma following the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim. The club has decided against any incoming or outgoing business until a new permanent manager is appointed.
Zirkzee, who joined United from Bologna for £36.5 million in summer 2024, had grown frustrated with his limited role under Amorim. Despite a brief run in the starting lineup after injuries to Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, he has started only one of the last seven matches.
Roma's director of sport, Frederic Massara, confirmed the setback: 'With regards to Zirkzee, at this moment Manchester United have completely closed off any discussion about the transfer market. With the change of coach, they don't want any movement.'
The Dutch striker has scored just seven goals in his debut season and two more this term. Former Netherlands international Ruud Gullit criticised the move to United, saying: 'I think from my point of view that he should have stayed in Italy... I just hope that there's a solution for him.'
United have placed Darren Fletcher in temporary charge, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Michael Carrick expected to take over as interim boss until the end of the season.
