Manchester United have reportedly made a decision regarding a potential January transfer following Ruben Amorim’s departure from Old Trafford, with the club still without a head coach
AS Roma’s sporting director Frederic Massara claims that Manchester United have shut down all transfer negotiations following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal last week. The Italian side were among a number of clubs reportedly keen on securing out-of-favour striker Joshua Zirkzee.
The Dutch forward has endured a difficult spell since his move from Bologna to Old Trafford in the summer 2024, managing only nine goals in 64 outings. The 24-year-old has slipped down the hierarchy this campaign after the club brought in Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
Zirkzee has been consistently linked with a return to Serie A, with both AC Milan and AS Roma pursuing his signature. Yet a switch to Rome now seems improbable in the wake of Amorim’s exit.
READ MORE: Man Utd star Noussair Mazraoui eyed for transfer as major decision madeREAD MORE: Man Utd timeline for manager decision emerges after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer talks
Speaking to DAZN, Roma’s sporting director Massara said: “At the moment, United have closed off all transfer talks after the change of manager. I doubt they’ll change their minds.”
Earlier in the week, Massara had remained optimistic about finalising a deal, telling Sky Sports in Italy: “He is a Manchester United centre-forward liked by many clubs, not just us.
“Naturally, the situation is different after this change of management, there are no contacts in progress, but I wouldn’t focus on individual names.
“We know this window is an opportunity to reinforce the squad in an area where we have struggled to convert chances into goals, so we will try to use it.”
Manchester United parted company with the Portuguese manager on Monday following a poor sequence of results and a breakdown in relations with the club’s hierarchy.
Amorim had publicly challenged the club’s sporting director Jason Wilcox to do ‘his job’ during a fiery post-match press conference following the draw with Leeds United, which turned out to be his last match in charge.
United issued a statement on Monday which read: “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United. Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.
“With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.
“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future. Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday.”
Fletcher’s opening match in temporary charge finished in a 2-2 draw at Turf Moor and the academy boss is expected to oversee United’s FA Cup fixture with Brighton tomorrow.
Zirkzee came off the bench in the stalemate with the Clarets and will be hoping a new manager arriving at the club will offer him a chance to prove himself.
