Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United Future in Doubt After Sunderland Display as Pundits Call for Summer Sale

Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United career appears increasingly untenable following yet another underwhelming performance, with pundits and supporters mounting pressure on the club to move the striker on during the summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old was handed a rare starting opportunity in United’s draw at Sunderland, with first-choice forward Benjamin Sesko sidelined and Bryan Mbeumo out of form. Zirkzee was unable to capitalise, contributing little before caretaker manager Michael Carrick withdrew him after 65 minutes.

Former Sunderland defender Micky Gray was unsparing in his verdict, using a talkSPORT appearance to question whether the Dutchman is suited to life at Old Trafford. “For the life of me I don’t know how Bryan Mbeumo has not come on at half time for Joshua Zirkzee,” Gray said. “He’s just not a Man United player. I’m sorry to say it, but everything bounces off him as a striker.”

Gray reserved particular criticism for Zirkzee’s physical output, which he described as inconsistent with the striker’s build. “He’s a huge guy, but for somebody who’s so big and tall and strong as he is, he is just so weak. And I can’t believe he’s actually still playing for Manchester United. I think he’s certainly one of the players that you’re trying to move on in the summer.”

The statistics reinforce the sense of a signing that has failed to deliver. Since completing his high-profile transfer from Bologna in 2024, Zirkzee has scored just nine goals across 72 appearances in all competitions — a return that falls well short of the expectations that accompanied his arrival at Old Trafford.

Zirkzee joined United from Serie A side Bologna in the summer of 2024 in a move that generated considerable anticipation given his creative link-up play and technical ability at club and international level. However, he has struggled to translate that form consistently in the Premier League, remaining a peripheral figure for much of his time in Manchester.

Carrick, who took charge of the club in a caretaker capacity, has generally preferred other attacking options, with Zirkzee’s Sunderland start representing one of his more significant opportunities under the interim manager. The failure to make an impact is likely to strengthen the case for a departure ahead of next season.

With the summer window approaching, United’s recruitment strategy and the future of several underperforming squad members are expected to be central agenda items as the club assess their options going forward.