Manchester United's first major signing in the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era agrees to move to Roma

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zirkzee has held meetings with Sporting Director Ricky Massara and coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The Italian manager is said to have convinced the striker with a flexible role in the familiar 3-4-2-1 formation, where Zirkzee can play in any attacking position. The guarantee of a tactical role was the key factor that led the 2001-born player to agree to join the Giallorossi.

Roma is expected to offer a six-month loan deal with a mandatory purchase clause in the summer for around £35 million. If completed, Manchester United will almost recover most of the money invested. Nevertheless, the negotiations are not easy, as coach Amorim insists the player will only be allowed to leave if the club finds a suitable replacement amid a weakened squad.

If Zirkzee arrives at Roma as planned in mid-January, he will have the opportunity to restart his career in the tactically demanding environment of Serie A, where he previously made a strong impact. For the Dutch striker personally, this is not just a transfer but a crucial turning point to salvage a stalled career and reclaim the image of a highly promising attacking star.