Why Man Utd want to sign England’s goalscoring machine to replace Zirkzee

It’s no secret that Manchester United have made strengthening their midfield sector a priority in the ongoing transfer window ahead of their return to Premier League action.

Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have completed moves to Old Trafford this summer, with the aforementioned duo worth a reported £85m.

However, Michael Carrick is still looking to add a third to the heart of his squad – but has sought a ball-winner to help complement the two new arrivals.

If the Red Devils are to continue spending heavily this window, players will have to be sold – which could end one player’s time at the club.

What does the future hold for Joshua Zirkzee at United?

The pre-season usually gives the main squad players a chance to impress, and this year’s game is no different – as seen with Joshua Zirkzee.

The Dutch striker has made just 10 appearances since arriving from Carrick in February – only one from the starting line-up – after which he was second in command to Benjamin Sesko.

However, he has been involved in the club’s pre-season tour so far, even scoring a fine solo effort in Friday’s 5-0 thrashing of Rosenborg in Norway.

After such a display, many fans are calling for the 25-year-old to be given another chance in 2026/27 – but such a decision still seems highly unlikely.

Zirkzee has been hinting at a move away from Old Trafford since the start of 2026 and links have continued to pile up since the summer window opened.

Juventus is one of the teams that keep an eye on the player’s progress, which has seen the player himself return to Italy this window.

It remains to be seen how much the Red Devils can recoup from their £36.5m investment, but despite his aim in recent days, he still looks like a player to be sent out.

How United can find Zirkzee’s ideal place this summer

Despite United’s ongoing efforts to land a new midfielder, other areas of the pitch continue to be monitored, with a view to potential investment.

INEOS have recently explored a move for Fenerbahçe defender Archie Brown, but he could face stiff competition from Chelsea for the England international’s signature.

It’s not the only other area that could see a new addition – as Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has emerged as a new target for Carrick’s players.

Solezwe newspaper reported that United are considering a move for the 30-year-old player, who scored 16 goals in the last campaign in the top flight in England.

They say that Arsenal is another team that may be willing to check the decision of Unai Emery’s men, who are said to value the England international at a price of £40m.

Such a move would no doubt give Carrick another proven goalscorer in his attack, which could see Zirkzee drop further and eventually leave Old Trafford.

Watkins’ statistics from the latest campaign in the Premier League reflect his overall quality – he produced numbers that the Dutchman could not match.

The Villa star registered an impressive 1.3 shots on target per 90 last term, with the aforementioned figure putting him above 80% of strikers across Europe.

He also achieved 46% shot-on-thage accuracy, while finding the net with five shots on target – the best rate of any player in Carrick’s squad so far.

Watkins took his goals to Europe throughout the 2025/26 season, as he netted five times and fired Emery’s men to Europa League glory.

Such numbers will be music to the ears of United fans, who are desperate for a proven talent who can thrive on the continental stage after securing a return to the Champions League.

The Englishman, called “one of the best strikers in the PL” by journalist Tom Collomosse, has scored 91 goals in England’s top flight throughout his career – also showing his dominance over Zirkzee.

£40m for a player of his proven quality would be United’s best deal this summer and would take another burden off Sesko’s shoulders.

It would undoubtedly give Carrick the much needed cover he craves in attacking areas and finally allow the Dutchman to leave Old Trafford to recapture his excellent form.