Matheus Cunha Urges Joshua Zirkzee to Fight for Manchester United Spot Amid Roma Transfer Talk

Joshua Zirkzee has been encouraged by Matheus Cunha to push for his place at Manchester United, despite reports that he has agreed to join Roma in the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old forward has long been linked with a move away from Old Trafford after struggling to settle into the Premier League last season. Zirkzee’s £36.5 million transfer from Bologna had promised a boost to United’s attacking options, but he managed just three league goals in the 2024/25 campaign and found opportunities limited under Ruben Amorim at the start of the current season.

However, a mix of injuries, Africa Cup of Nations absences, and inconsistent performances elsewhere has provided Zirkzee with more game time in recent weeks. In that period, the Netherlands international has impressed with two goals in his last three starts and contributed an assist for Cunha just two minutes after coming off the bench during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United.

Despite reports suggesting that Zirkzee has verbally agreed to join Roma this month, the move is not expected to go ahead until after AFCON concludes. By that time, Manchester United will have Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo returning to strengthen the attacking midfield, providing more options in the squad. Sources indicate that the club is willing to sanction his departure, but only once these key players are back.

Following the draw at Elland Road, Cunha publicly encouraged Zirkzee to remain at United and fight for his position. Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Cunha said:

“Josh is a pleasure to play with, he has a lot of quality. His situation is not good but he has the quality to change it. He needs to understand this and we want to count on him. We are here to push him. After the goal last week and the assist today he will have more confidence to be with us and do his role.”

Cunha’s comments underline the belief within the squad that Zirkzee still has the talent and mentality to establish himself as a reliable attacking option for the club. His impact from the bench against Leeds highlighted his ability to link play, make intelligent runs, and contribute in key moments—qualities United will need as they navigate the remainder of the season.

Amorim also praised Zirkzee’s performance in his post-match press conference, noting the forward’s readiness and connection with the team.

“I think Josh played well in the 25 minutes he had,” Amorim said. “Connected very well with his teammates, and he showed he’s got a lot to give. Josh must be ready when we call on him, just like all the other players. That’s what he did today.”

Zirkzee’s situation is a reflection of United’s broader challenge in managing a squad with high turnover and injury disruptions. The forward’s limited starts have made it difficult to consistently build form, yet the recent opportunities suggest that he is capable of contributing at the Premier League level if given time and confidence.

As Manchester United prepare to travel to relegation-threatened Burnley on Wednesday night, the question of Zirkzee’s immediate future remains. Whether he continues at Old Trafford or moves to Roma, his performances in the coming weeks will be closely scrutinised. For now, Cunha and Amorim are making it clear that United would like him to stay and fight for his spot, reinforcing the message that talent alone is not enough—consistency and adaptability will be key.

Zirkzee’s story also serves as a reminder of how quickly circumstances can shift in football. From a fringe figure struggling to adapt to the Premier League to a substitute making decisive contributions, his situation illustrates both the challenges and opportunities faced by young forwards at top clubs. The next few weeks will be critical, not only for his potential transfer plans but also for his career trajectory and Manchester United’s attacking fortunes.

With injuries to key players like Mbeumo and Amad limiting options in the short term, Zirkzee has a window to prove himself. The encouragement from Cunha, combined with Amorim’s tactical confidence, suggests that the club believes in his ability to influence matches—if he seizes the opportunity.

Whether he takes that step at United or moves on to Serie A, Zirkzee’s journey remains one to watch closely as the winter transfer window progresses and the Premier League season enters a crucial stage.