Man Utd outcast can follow Rasmus Hojlund path with transfer route on the table

Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee is on Roma’s radar as they consider making a move in January with Rasmus Hojlund currently proving himself back in Italy with Napoli

Joshua Zirkzee could be offered a route out of Manchester United by Roma, who are keeping tabs on the Dutchman ahead of a potential move in January that could see him return to Italy.

Zirkzee was signed just over a year ago from Bologna but has struggled to make an impact. His lowest point saw his own fans cheer his withdrawal before half-time during a loss to Newcastle last December. He’s scored 14 times in 58 outings but has slipped down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim.

Roma are now weighing up a loan move for the 24-year-old and decision makers at Old Trafford will consider letting Zirkzee move on in the new year having spent more than £200million on new attacking talent back in the summer.

The Times reports that Como are also tracking the Dutchman, who made his name in Italy, which convinced the Manchester outfit to spend £36.5million on the forward. He scored on his debut but has been able to establish himself since.

Roma are second in Serie A, level on points with the leaders Napoli after six games, but have scored only seven goals in six games and their Ukrainian frontman Artem Dovbyk has scored just once – prompting their desire to add more firepower.

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Zirkzee may also see Hojlund’s move as inspiration with the Dane, who also struggled in Manchester, deciding to move back to Italy in the summer by joining Napoli on loan. He didn’t take long to find the net and has scored four times in six outings this term, looking far more confident.

The Dutchman played for his country at Euro 2024, but is in danger of being overlooked for a potential place at next summer’s World Cup unless he can find himself some regular first-team football with boss Ronald Koeman looking at other options during qualifying.

Benjamin Sesko was bought in from RB Leipzig and is the man now leading the line in Manchester – aided by two more recruits in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. That has limited Zirkzee to just four substitute appearances, adding up to a minimal 82 minutes.

Seeing how Hojlund has rediscovered his goalscoring form since moving to Italy won’t have gone unnoticed by Zirkzee. A move to Roma would also see the Dutchman play on the European stage with the capital outfit in the Europa League. They have two fixtures to come in Glasgow against both Celtic and Rangers.

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