Joshua Zirkee could remain at Manchester United despite rampant speculation surrounding his potential departure. Head coach Michael Carrick still has faith in the Dutch striker, especially with Benjamin Sesko's latest injury possibly opening the door for more opportunities.
Zirkee's future has been uncertain for several months now. On the final day of the summer transfer window, Fiorentina and Everton were keen to secure the 25-year-old's signature, but the United hierarchy saw no compelling reason to part ways with him.
This season, the Holland international has yet to make a Premier League start, although he has featured in the last three matches.
Reports suggest Carrick retains his trust in the forward and is not keen on selling him mid-season, particularly given the current struggles in the squad's attacking department.
With Benjamin Sesko facing yet another injury and withdrawing from international duty with Slovenia, the timeline for his recovery remains unknown. It’s possible that this injury is linked to a previous ailment that had already seen him miss several games.
Manchester United will not take any risks with Sesko's fitness, prompting Carrick to explore alternative options up front.
In the recent 1-1 draw against Tottenham, Bryan Mbeumo spearheaded the attack, while Zirkee came on as a substitute for a solid 31 minutes, making a notable impact for United during the encounter.
Zirkee himself is determined to establish his place at Old Trafford and continues to work hard to persuade the coaching staff to grant him more playing time.
Meanwhile, interest from Italian clubs has not dissipated. In the past, Zirkee has been linked with moves to Napoli and AC Milan, who might return to the table regarding his availability come January.
Much will depend on Manchester United’s own transfer plans, as the club could be weighing up a move for an additional striker in the winter window. Such a signing could complicate Zirkee's situation, although difficulties with squad depth could just as likely persuade the hierarchy to keep him on.
Adding to the uncertainty is Carrick's position, with United having amassed only six points from their first six matches. The draw against Tottenham did little to ease the pressure on the manager.
Should there be any changes in the club’s management come January, it might drastically affect Zirkee's future at United as well.
For now, though, the exit of the Dutchman is far from a foregone conclusion. United turned down bids for him over the summer, Carrick continues to back him, and Sesko's injury opens up a potential opportunity for Zirkee to battle for a starting spot.
