Joshua Zirkzee’s time at Manchester United has been far from ideal, following a £36.5 million move from Bologna last summer.
Also read: Joshua Zirkzee Would Be Finished at Manchester United Under Sir Alex Ferguson
The Dutch forward has struggled to meet expectations, fueling rumors of a potential exit this January. Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has hinted at the club’s openness to “any interesting opportunities,” sparking further speculation about Zirkzee’s return to Italy.
The 23-year-old hit a new low during Manchester United’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle. Manager Ruben Amorim substituted Zirkzee after just 33 minutes, citing tactical reasons, as the forward was visibly struggling. His exit was met with boos from the crowd, compounding his challenges at Old Trafford.
Reports from Italy suggest Zirkzee is eager to reunite with former Bologna boss Thiago Motta at Juventus. While Motta has downplayed these rumors, Giuntoli left the door open, stating the club is focused on strengthening the squad with young talent.
Zirkzee’s struggles have drawn sympathy from United legend Rio Ferdinand. Speaking on his podcast, Ferdinand said, “Being substituted that early is tough.
He needs support from senior players like Bruno Fernandes to regain confidence.”
Ferdinand emphasized the importance of resilience, reminding fans that many great players have overcome similar setbacks.
He also urged patience, suggesting the team needs more time to adapt to Amorim’s management style.
Juventus, meanwhile, remains tight-lipped about specific targets, with Giuntoli reiterating the club’s commitment to investing in youth and building for the future.
Whether Zirkzee will be part of that future remains to be seen, but his story is far from over.
