Manchester United have frozen January transfers after sacking their head coach, blocking Joshua Zirkzee’s proposed loan to Roma. For bettors this suggests Zirkzee will likely stay on United’s bench in the short term — avoid backing him as a Roma starter or match goalscorer until the managerial situation is resolved; monitor team news for updated starting-odds.
United freeze January market and block Zirkzee move after managerial change
Manchester United have halted all transfer activity this January, effectively blocking Joshua Zirkzee’s proposed switch to Roma as the club navigates a change of head coach. The decision follows the dismissal of the manager and the appointment of Darren Fletcher as temporary caretaker while the club seeks a permanent successor.
Zirkzee’s limited minutes and why a move was on the cards
Zirkzee grew frustrated by limited starts this season. He did not start any of United’s first 11 league matches but returned to the starting XI when Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha suffered injuries, featuring against Everton, Crystal Palace and West Ham. Since then he has started just once in seven matches, intensifying speculation about a midseason exit.
Transfer talks and Roma interest
Reports indicated encouraging discussions between Zirkzee and Roma’s coaching staff, with the forward reportedly willing to move to seek regular football. Roma’s sporting director Frederic Massara has said Manchester United have closed off transfer discussions and, with the managerial change, it appears unlikely the club will permit January departures.
Background: fee and form
Zirkzee joined Manchester United from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for a reported £36.5million. He scored seven goals in his debut season and has added two so far this campaign, but intermittent starts have limited his opportunity to build momentum at Old Trafford.
Coaching turmoil and interim arrangements
The club dismissed their head coach on Monday and placed Darren Fletcher in temporary charge. Reports suggest Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Michael Carrick could serve as interim manager until a permanent appointment is made at season’s end, a period during which the club has paused transfer business.
Voices on Zirkzee’s move and career choices
Former players and pundits have questioned Zirkzee’s move to Manchester United, arguing he may have been better served continuing his development in Italy. One senior football figure urged the forward to seek regular playing time on loan, stressing the importance of minutes for a young attacker’s growth.
Betting implications for punters
With United closing the January market, Zirkzee is likely to remain a squad option rather than a guaranteed starter elsewhere this month. Bettors should be cautious about backing him in markets that assume a transfer or a regular starting role at Roma. Short-term strategies: avoid Roma-based goalscorer or starting XI bets involving Zirkzee until the managerial situation stabilises; consider match-by-match line-up confirmations before placing wagers.
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Manchester United have called off a proposed move for Joshua Zirkzee to Roma after their decision to sack Ruben Amorim.
Metro
