Michael Carrick appointment could see Joshua Zirkzee stay at Manchester United

[p]Italian side [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/napoli/69Dxbc61/"]Napoli[/a] are being linked with the Dutch international but [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/zirkzee-joshua/CCdlIA7L/"]Zirkzee[/a]’s future is largely in his own hands.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/manchester-united/ppjDR086/"]United[/a] would consider offers if he pushes to leave, but there is a growing expectation that he could be prepared to fight for his place again. [/p][p][b]With a return to Champions League football on the horizon, squad depth will become far more important next season as United would face a busier schedule.[/b][/p][p]Internally, Zirkzee is viewed as a reliable, low-maintenance presence who has remained professional despite his reduced role, and he continues to be well regarded within the dressing room.[/p][embed guid="699541cf-194d-43b7-a78d-24df69fc548f" url="https://x.com/UtdDistrict/status/2040742418102858014" social-type="twitter" /][p]United are assessing their attacking options in the transfer market, but are encouraged by [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/sesko-benjamin/QDozP4IN/"]Benjamin Sesko[/a]’s early impact. While there has been early discussion around potentially signing a back-up striker, any move would depend on market opportunities rather than being a priority.[/p][p]That leaves Zirkzee in a decent position to stay, at a time when United also have versatility available through players such as [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/matheus-cunha/bq5QzRdb/"]Matheus Cunha[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mbeumo-bryan/8KDrOl80/"]Bryan Mbeumo[/a].[/p][p][b]A Zirkzee exit has been anticipated after a campaign defined by uncertainty and limited opportunities. A January departure was also on the cards, though, and the managerial change from Ruben Amorim to Carrick altered the situation.[/b][/p][p]That may continue to play a role as we head towards an understanding of how United decide to move forward.[/p][p]After continuing to explore the manager market over the break, United believe there are limited standout options available. Roberto De Zerbi’s recent move to [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/tottenham/UDg08Ohm/"]Tottenham[/a] has further narrowed the field, while previous targets Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola are not believed to be under consideration.[/p][p]Julian Nagelsmann remains of interest, but there is increasing belief that Carrick will be given the role on a permanent basis.[/p][p]Such stability would allow United to accelerate their summer squad planning - and could ultimately prove decisive in Zirkzee remaining part of their plans, if he is up for the challenge.[/p][image alt="Dean Jones" id="0f685dd0-10a2-43d8-9966-361f00f7203c" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="91759196-4de2-4956-aa11-678756a60bfe" original-width="1200" original-height="380" /]