The Dutch attacker has endured a miserable spell at Old Trafford since joining from Bologna for £35 million in the summer of 2024. He has started five Premier League matches this season, contributing two goals and one assist from 23 appearances in total. Under Michael Carrick, he has started just once.
AS Roma came close to signing Zirkzee in January. Fabrizio Romano confirmed an agreement had been reached between player and club at the end of December, and Roma subsequently submitted a formal loan offer with a purchase option worth between €38 million and €40 million. United rejected it outright. Director of football Frédéric Massara acknowledged at the time that the English club had said no "quite clearly" and had not changed their position.
Gian Piero Gasperini, who took charge of Roma in January, held talks with Zirkzee about a move during the winter window. The manager is understood to have not given up on signing him and raised his name in conversations with the Friedkin ownership group during discussions about summer recruitment, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Roma have since signed Donyell Malen from Aston Villa, but Gasperini believes Zirkzee and Malen could form an effective partnership in his 3-4-2-1 system. The Italian is acutely aware that Zirkzee is unhappy with his lack of playing time at United and sees an opening.
Manchester United are willing to sell this summer. The club is understood to value Zirkzee at around €25 million (£21 million), a significant reduction on what they paid less than two years ago. Zirkzee has a contract at Old Trafford until 2029, with the option of one further year.
A return to Serie A, where he excelled at Bologna, remains the most likely destination.