Manchester United have slammed the brakes on all January transfer activity, including a proposed move for striker Joshua Zirkzee to AS Roma, in the wake of manager Ruben Amorim's sudden departure.
Transfer Plans Scrapped After Managerial Chaos
The club's decision effectively blocks a potential exit for Dutch forward Zirkzee, who had reportedly agreed to a switch to the Italian capital. This dramatic U-turn comes directly after United dismissed Amorim on Monday, January 10, 2026, installing Darren Fletcher as temporary caretaker.
Roma's sporting director, Frederic Massara, confirmed the news, stating that United have "completely closed off any discussion" regarding the transfer market. "With the change of coach, they don't want any movement," Massara told DAZN Italia. "So it seems very improbable that they’ll change their minds."
Zirkzee's Frustrating Spell at Old Trafford
The 24-year-old striker, who joined United from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for £36.5 million, has struggled for consistent game time. This season, he did not start any of United's first 11 Premier League matches under Amorim.
Injuries to Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha briefly opened a door, granting him starts against Everton, Crystal Palace, and West Ham United. However, he has been named in the starting lineup just once in the subsequent seven games, fuelling his desire to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Italian reports had suggested United would consider a loan departure for Zirkzee once Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo returned from the Africa Cup of Nations. It was further claimed that Zirkzee had said 'yes' to Roma after positive talks with their head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini.
What's Next for United and Their Striker?
The focus at Old Trafford is now squarely on the dugout. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Michael Carrick are expected to take interim charge until the season's end, when a permanent successor to Amorim will be appointed. No incoming or outgoing transfers are anticipated before then.
Zirkzee's situation highlights the turbulence at the club. He has scored only nine goals in total since his arrival—seven in his debut season and a further two this term. Dutch legend Ruud Gullit recently argued his countryman made a "wrong decision" moving to Manchester, suggesting a return to Italy would revive his career.
For now, the player must wait as United's hierarchy prioritises managerial stability over any squad reshuffle, leaving his immediate future in limbo.
