Manchester United are said to have made a decision regarding one potential January departure at Old Trafford off the back of Ruben Amorim’s sacking, with the club without a head coach at present
Matty Hewitt Football Writer
17:48, 10 Jan 2026
Manchester United have reportedly closed transfer talks after parting ways with Ruben Amorim.(Image: )
AS Roma sporting director Frederic Massara claims Manchester United have closed off all transfer talks following the sacking of Ruben Amorim last week. The Italian club were among several said to be interested in a move for out-of-favour forward Joshua Zirkzee.
The Dutch striker has struggled since arriving at Old Trafford from Bologna in the summer of 2024, scoring just nine goals in 64 appearances. The 24-year-old has fallen down the pecking order this season following the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
Zirkzee has been repeatedly linked with a return to Italy, with AC Milan and AS Roma keen on his services. However, a move to the Italian capital now appears unlikely following Amorim’s departure.
Roma sporting director Massara spoke to DAZN and said: “At the moment, United have closed off all transfer talks after the change of manager. I doubt they’ll change their minds.”
Speaking earlier this week, Massara had hoped to still get a deal over the line, telling Sky Sports in Italy: “He is a Manchester United centre-forward liked by many clubs, not just us.
Joshua Zirkzee before a Manchester United game(Image: Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images)
“Naturally, the situation is different after this change of management, there are no contacts in progress, but I wouldn’t focus on individual names.
“We know this window is an opportunity to reinforce the squad in an area where we have struggled to convert chances into goals, so we will try to use it.”
United parted ways with the Portuguese head coach on Monday after a disappointing run of games and breakdown in communications with the United hierarchy.
Amorim had called on the club’s sporting director Jason Wilcox to do ‘his job’ in an explosive post-match press conference rant following the draw with Leeds United, which proved to be his final act as head coach.
United released a statement on Monday which read: “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United. Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.
“With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.
“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future. Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday.”
Fletcher’s first game in charge ended in a 2-2 draw at Turf Moor and the academy coach is set to take charge of United’s FA Cup clash with Brighton tomorrow.
Zirkzee came off the bend in the draw with the Clarets and will be hoping a new head coach arriving at the club will hand him an opportunity to impress.