Manchester United might still sell Zirkzee for €38 million! Rashford and Sancho won’t return, even under Solskjaer’s management.

After Ruben Amorim’s appointment, Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee seemed to find a ray of hope to alter his destiny. Sadly, Benjamin Sesko dashed those dreams with a brace. In Darren Fletcher’s debut match in charge, Zirkzee was still a substitute, indicating that if he continues at Manchester United, this could be his permanent position.

Sesko is reportedly not Amorim’s pick but was strongly backed by transfer director Christopher Vivell, who invested €85 million, meaning that regardless of the coach, Sesko is very likely to be the starting center forward.

According to Italy’s "Transfermarkt," Serie A club Roma is still working on a deal for Zirkzee. Italian media report that Roma and Manchester United have reached a preliminary agreement for a loan in the January transfer window, with an obligation to buy for €38 million at the season’s end, triggered if Roma qualifies for the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Roma has presented a four-year contract valid until June 2030 to persuade Zirkzee to join Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad. The contract offers an annual salary of €3.5 million, roughly €70,000 per week. Due to Italy’s tax system, the Dutch forward’s earnings would not be much lower than what he makes at Manchester United.

Roma’s sporting director, Ricci Massara, acknowledged that Amorim’s dismissal complicates Zirkzee’s transfer but hinted that efforts to secure the move will continue.

“He is a Manchester United player, and many clubs are interested in him, not just us,” Massara said. “Of course, changes in management affect the situation. Currently, there’s no progress in talks, and I’m not focusing on specific names. We understand this winter window is a chance to strengthen the squad, especially in key positions where we’ve struggled to convert chances into goals. The club will try to capitalize on this opportunity.”

Roma has gone all out to sign the former Bologna forward and is still negotiating with his agent to finalize the details. The timing of the deal reportedly depends on the Africa Cup of Nations, with the returns of Mbemou and Amad Diallo being the “green light” for Zirkzee’s departure. It is rumored Manchester United will allow him to leave in the last week of January.

Because the new coach no longer uses a 3-4-3 formation, captain Bruno Fernandes will return to the number 10 role. With Mbemou, Amad, Cunha, and Mason Mount in the squad, there is simply no place for Zirkzee. This is different from 20-year-old academy midfielder Kobe Meno, who stands to benefit more from the tactical change since the 4-2-3-1 formation adds an extra midfielder, the ideal role for Meno to showcase his skills.

David Ornstein, a respected transfer expert from "The Athletic," stated: “Will Manchester United players leave? I think to finish in the top four, United will try to keep as many players as possible. So, I’ve heard no players will be loaned out. Whether it’s Meno or Zirkzee, any departures would have to be permanent transfers with offers financially acceptable to United.”

He also indicated that Zirkzee is more likely to move than Meno: “Looking at Meno’s situation, I believe he’s more likely to stay now. Previously, he wasn’t favored by Amorim, but now he’s healthy and can prove he deserves a spot in the team. Roma is very interested in Zirkzee, who has seen more playing time and contributed to two goals. He is reportedly well-liked in the dressing room as well. So, let’s wait and see.”

British media revealed that Amorim’s sacking won’t change most of the club’s transfer plans, particularly concerning the permanent departures of Rashford, Sancho, André Onana, and Højlund, all of whom were loaned out this season. The Sun reported that none of these players have any chance of returning.

It is said that Manchester United fully supports Amorim’s decision to sell Rashford, Sancho, Onana, and Højlund, and therefore has no intention of recalling any of them. Moreover, Rashford and Højlund have buyout clauses controlled by Barcelona and Napoli, respectively. Both players are happy not to return to Manchester and have recently expressed their desire to stay with their current clubs.