Zirkzee Urged to Leave Manchester United for Serie A Revival

Joshua Zirkzee Advised to Exit Manchester United for Career Boost

Joshua Zirkzee’s struggles at Manchester United have caught the attention of Netherlands legend Ruud Gullit, who has openly advised the Dutch striker to consider leaving Old Trafford. Since arriving in the summer of 2024, Zirkzee has found it difficult to secure consistent form or a starting role in the Premier League, raising concerns about his development and future at the club.

Why Former Manchester United Players Flourish Elsewhere

Gullit’s advice echoes a growing trend: many players who leave Manchester United seem to rediscover their best football. Marcus Rashford, once sidelined under manager Ruben Amorim, reignited his career at Aston Villa before earning a move to Barcelona, which restored his England credentials. Similarly, Antony, initially labelled an expensive flop in Manchester, has thrived at Real Betis in La Liga. Scott McTominay, now a Serie A champion with Napoli, is joined by fellow ex-United striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has found success scoring goals in Italy.

Alejandro Garnacho’s recent switch to Chelsea has also yielded positive results, suggesting that Manchester United may be “the problem” for young attacking talents. Gullit points out, “Everybody that leaves Man United ends up playing well. The problem there maybe is actually United. I should advise Zirkzee to go somewhere else and play more.”

Serie A Clubs Express Interest in Zirkzee

With Roma and AC Milan reportedly targeting Zirkzee for a January transfer, a return to Serie A could provide the regular playing time he desperately needs to continue his development and regain his scoring touch. Gullit believes a fresh start outside Manchester is the right move: “Go back to Italy if you can on loan or whatever. Just play football. He’s a good player. But at the moment, it’s difficult at Man United.”

Impact on Netherlands’ World Cup Ambitions

Regular minutes will be crucial if Zirkzee hopes to earn a spot in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup. Last season, Zirkzee managed just seven goals for United and is yet to start a Premier League fixture this term, raising questions about his international prospects.

Gullit remains optimistic about the Netherlands’ chances in the tournament, praising the squad’s talent but noting defensive vulnerabilities: “We have a very good squad and I have a good feeling about the players. But we concede a lot of goals. I just don’t know how it is possible that we concede so many easy goals? Koeman is doing a great job, but you need a little bit of luck at some moment. I think they can win the World Cup.”

Ruud Gullit’s Perspective on Football Management

While Gullit will be watching the World Cup from afar, he has no intention of returning to management. The stress of coaching is not for him, as he explained with wit, referencing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jurgen Klopp: “They’re all bald, grey, grumpy. It’s a horrible life. Look at these coaches… I don’t want to be a manager and I never wanted to be a manager.”

Both Klopp and Solskjaer are currently out of management, with Solskjaer recently leaving Besiktas. Meanwhile, Manchester United, managed by Ruben Amorim, are seventh in the Premier League after a slow start to the 2025-26 campaign.

Opinion: A Move Away May Be Zirkzee’s Best Path Forward

Given the evidence of former Manchester United players thriving elsewhere, it’s hard to ignore Gullit’s advice to Zirkzee. The Premier League’s intense spotlight sometimes hinders young talent, and a return to Serie A, where he previously impressed, could restore his confidence and accelerate his progress. For Zirkzee and Dutch football fans, a transfer seems a wise choice for both personal development and national team ambitions.

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