According to an exclusive report from The Daily Mail, sources close to Joshua Zirkzee insist it is "too early" to confirm that the Dutch forward will leave Manchester United during the winter transfer window. While Zirkzee’s limited playing time has been a significant point of concern, the current landscape at Old Trafford suggests he may still have a vital role to play.

A combination of rising injury concerns and the impact of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has left Ruben Amorim’s squad stretched thin in attacking positions. With Bruno Fernandes currently sidelined by a hamstring injury and both Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo away on international duty in Morocco, United faces a shortage of experienced options in the final third. These absences are expected to open the door for Zirkzee to return to the starting rotation and take on a more prominent role in the coming weeks.

Although several Italian clubs, including AS Roma, are reportedly monitoring his situation, no formal agreement has been reached. Zirkzee remains determined to secure regular minutes to protect his place in the Netherlands squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but his representatives emphasize that any decision regarding his future remains open. While a departure has not been entirely ruled out by either the player or the club, Manchester United's immediate personnel crisis makes a January exit far from certain.