Manchester United Could Sell Joshua Zirkzee This Summer if No Buyer Emerges for Rasmus Højlund
(Source: GiveMeSport)
Manchester United are reportedly open to selling Joshua Zirkzee this summer — but only as a contingency plan if they fail to offload Rasmus Højlund. According to a report from GiveMeSport, United’s summer transfer strategy in attack is now at a critical crossroads, and decisions around both strikers could have significant implications for the club’s short- and long-term plans.
Zirkzee, who is expected to complete his move to United from Bologna in the coming days, has long been admired by the Old Trafford hierarchy for his technical ability, flair, and tactical intelligence. However, with ongoing financial pressures and squad balance concerns, the Dutchman could be sold immediately after arriving — if United cannot find a buyer for the underperforming Højlund.
The emerging situation has raised eyebrows, with many fans questioning the logic of signing a striker only to potentially sell him weeks later. But as always in modern football, financial fair play, squad dynamics, and strategic planning are all inextricably linked.
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⚖️ Højlund’s Uncertain Future at United
When Manchester United paid £72 million to sign Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta in the summer of 2023, hopes were high that the 20-year-old Danish striker would grow into a long-term talisman for the Red Devils. A physically imposing yet technically promising forward, Højlund was seen as the ideal blend of potential and productivity.
However, the 2023–24 season was a rollercoaster. Though Højlund finished the campaign with 16 goals in all competitions — including a strong run of form during the winter months — questions remained about his consistency, positioning, and overall fit in Erik ten Hag’s system. He often struggled in games where United were starved of possession, and his hold-up play and decision-making were regularly criticised.
United’s internal reviews reportedly concluded that while Højlund remains a long-term prospect, the club cannot afford to rely solely on him going forward — especially with ambitions to return to Champions League contention.
Complicating matters further is the club’s financial outlook. United are under pressure to sell players this summer to remain within financial fair play parameters, and Højlund is one of the few high-value assets in the squad. If a suitable bid — believed to be in the region of £55–60 million — arrives from a European suitor, United may be tempted to cut their losses after just one year.
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🔁 The Zirkzee Dilemma
In anticipation of an eventual move, Manchester United have been in advanced negotiations with Joshua Zirkzee, the 23-year-old Dutch striker who impressed in Serie A with Bologna. His intelligent movement, link-up play, and technical flair have drawn comparisons to players like Karim Benzema and Robin van Persie.
Zirkzee reportedly agreed personal terms with United weeks ago, and the club are prepared to activate his release clause of £34 million (€40 million). The signing was initially viewed as part of a long-term double-pronged striker solution alongside Højlund, giving Erik ten Hag two different profiles to call upon.
But now, with Højlund’s future uncertain and the club keen to balance the books, GiveMeSport reports that United could opt to sell Zirkzee immediately if they cannot move Højlund. The idea is simple: only one major striker will be retained, with the other sold to support investment in other priority areas such as central midfield, centre-back, and right-wing.
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💰 Financial Fair Play and United’s Summer Strategy
The Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group are working to reshape Manchester United both on and off the pitch. As part of that restructuring, the club must navigate financial fair play (FFP) restrictions, particularly after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
United’s summer transfer budget is believed to be limited to around £50–70 million net, meaning significant player sales are required to fund multiple arrivals. The club is hoping to generate income from the departures of fringe players like Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, Donny van de Beek, and Harry Maguire. However, those deals are proving difficult to negotiate due to high wages and lack of strong suitors.
Selling one of their strikers, therefore, becomes a potential financial solution. Zirkzee, even though he hasn’t yet kicked a ball for the club, could fetch a higher fee than United paid for him due to market demand — especially from clubs in Italy and Germany where he is highly rated.
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🧠 Tactical and Squad Implications
From a footballing standpoint, selling Zirkzee before integrating him into the squad could be risky. He offers a different dimension from Højlund — more fluid, creative, and mobile — which could benefit United in games where possession and build-up play are key. Zirkzee’s ability to drop deep and link with midfielders suits a more patient attacking style.
In contrast, Højlund is a more direct, transition-based forward who thrives on counter-attacks and quick balls in behind. United’s tactical identity under Erik ten Hag has lacked consistency, and the presence of two strikers with opposing strengths was expected to give the Dutch manager more options.
By selling either striker, United would be committing to a particular style of play — potentially limiting their tactical flexibility across competitions.
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🔍 Interest from Other Clubs
Several clubs are said to be monitoring the striker situation at Old Trafford. Højlund has reportedly attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Napoli, although no formal bids have been made. The player is not believed to be actively seeking a move but is understood to be open to discussions if the club decides to sell.
Zirkzee, meanwhile, remains a target for AC Milan, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund — all of whom made contact with his camp earlier this summer. Milan were believed to be front-runners at one point, but United’s speed in triggering his clause shifted the narrative.
If United do opt to sell Zirkzee instead of Højlund, they could still make a profit on the transaction and retain a striker they have already invested in — albeit one who still has development ahead.
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🗣️ Fan Reactions and Club Expectations
The rumoured possibility of selling Zirkzee before he even arrives has not gone down well with sections of the Manchester United fanbase. Many supporters believe the club has failed to develop a clear, consistent transfer strategy and that reactionary decisions continue to define their approach.
United fans are calling for patience and stability, especially with young talents like Zirkzee and Højlund, both of whom represent the future rather than instant solutions.
On social media, the reaction was mixed:
> “Zirkzee hasn’t even signed and we’re already talking about selling him? This club is chaos,” tweeted one fan.
> “If Højlund stays and improves, fair play. But if we lose Zirkzee to Milan, it’ll haunt us,” said another.
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🏁 Conclusion
Manchester United’s striker situation is becoming increasingly complex, and their willingness to sell Joshua Zirkzee this summer — should they fail to find a buyer for Rasmus Højlund — underscores the delicate balance they are trying to strike between financial necessity and footballing ambition.
For now, the club’s primary goal remains clear: reshape the squad for a stronger 2024–25 campaign, stay compliant with FFP, and give Erik ten Hag (or a potential successor) the tools to succeed. Whether that journey includes Højlund, Zirkzee, or both remains to be seen — but decisions made in the next few weeks could define the next chapter of Manchester United’s rebuild.
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