Manchester United have sealed a fourth summer signing described as “exciting” — even as the club edges closer to losing striker Joshua Zirkzee to Juventus. The Dutch forward, 25, is the subject of advanced talks between the clubs over a loan deal with a £30 million option to buy, according to reports. Zirkzee started just one of Michael Carrick’s 17 games in charge last season, scored only two goals, and missed out on the Netherlands’ World Cup squad. Yet he produced a superb solo goal and an assist in United’s 5‑0 pre‑season thrashing of Rosenborg on Friday, a reminder of the talent that persuaded United to pay £36.5 million for him in 2024. Dutch legend Ruud Gullit urged him to leave: “Joshua Zirkzee made a mistake moving to Manchester United — he should have stayed in Italy.” Juventus switched their focus to Zirkzee after a move for Paris Saint‑Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani collapsed; Roma are also interested.
Zirkzee’s departure would leave Carrick with only Benjamin Sesko as a senior centre‑forward, though Marcus Rashford can play there after returning from a season‑long loan at Barcelona. United have already spent £83 million on midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer, and with Manuel Ugarte ruled out for months with a knee injury and Casemiro leaving on a free, the manager still needs cover. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Tyler Adams have been mentioned, as has Roma’s Manu Kone, and Real Madrid are willing to discuss Aurelien Tchouameni — though his likely salary would conflict with United’s budget controls as they also hunt for a left‑sided player and a forward to complement Sesko.
“Joshua Zirkzee wants to leave as Man Utd seal fourth signing; Mount-Santos partnership impresses”
On the pre‑season evidence, however, Carrick may already have a solution closer to hand. Mason Mount, who joined for £55 million in 2023 and has 36 England caps, has formed an impressive partnership with Santos in the opening friendlies. “I’ve known Andre for a while,” Mount said. “He’s a really good player and reads the game very well. He’s a little bit more defensive, so it allows me to push on a little bit more and work off him. Defensively as well, we’re both players that want to get around it, put tackles in, win the ball back and be aggressive. I’ve really enjoyed it.” With the fourth signing now over the line, Carrick’s squad is taking shape — but the striker puzzle remains unresolved.
