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Joshua Zirkzee ‘fully expects’ to leave Manchester United before the September 1 transfer deadline. According to MailSport, the forward is most likely to depart on loan in the coming days, despite Michael Carrick wanting depth in his attack. 🚨 UTD CONFIDENTIAL ➡️ Zirkzee expecting to go 🏟️ Old Trafford upgrade latest 🎥 Amazon demands take their toll 💰 £20m sponsorship gap 🚄 How Reds beat rail chaos 💫 JJ passes U21s audition w/ @NathSalt1 https://t.co/bqolcrmZfw via @MailSport #mufc— Chris Wheeler (@ChrisWheelerDM) August 25, 2026 Joshua Zirkzee: The state of play Should Zirkzee leave, it’s then possible that INEOS look to bring in a centre-forward who can rotate with Benjamin Sesko while he continues finding his feet in the English top flight. Zirkzee was an unused substitute for United’s season-opener last Saturday, showing where he ranks in Carrick’s estimations for the campaign ahead. While the addition of Champions League football would provide the 25-year-old with increased opportunities to stake his claim, he now also has Marcus Rashford to contend with for minutes following his reintegration into the squad. The best of Joshua Zirkzee against Crystal Palace 👌 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 2, 2026 The returning Red came off the bench over Zirkzee against Hull City but, like the rest of the attackers, was unable to make an impact as United slumped to a 2-0 defeat at the MKM Stadium. Where might Zirkzee end up? Mail’s report adds that the Dutchman’s most concrete suitors, as things stand, are Aston Villa, Napoli and Juventus. However, Unai Emery’s side ignited their pursuit of Chelsea outcast Nicolas Jackson on Tuesday as they prepare for the potential exit of Ollie Watkins to Saudi Arabia, which could rule out any further approach for Zirkzee. A move back to Serie A, where he spent two years with Bologna prior to his £36.5 million Old Trafford switch, may tempt Zirkzee, given he’s looking to revive his currently stagnant career and knows he is suited to the Italian division. It’s a shame that it hasn’t really worked out for him in M16 because, in plenty of his appearances, fans have been impressed with his technical ability and movement on and off the ball, but that only counts for so much if he isn’t racking up the goal contributions. | Appearances | Goals | Assists | | 75 | 9 | 4 | Zirkzee’s record across all competitions for MUFC