Manchester United's Rashford decision could be key for Juventus and Zirkzee
Quick summary
Juventus are monitoring Marcus Rashford's situation at Manchester United, with a potential loan move that could impact Joshua Zirkzee's playing time.
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Attributed to original sourceJuventus remain interested in a potential deal for Joshua Zirkzee, and reports in Italy suggest that Manchester United’s decision to welcome England international Marcus Rashford back into their squad is a boost for the Old Lady in their pursuit of the former Bologna forward.
Could Rashford’s United stay help push Zirkzee towards Juventus? Following the signings of Randal Kolo Muani and Jeff Ekhator at centre-forward, Luciano Spalletti is still hoping to add another option to his attack this window, especially if Jonathan David is moved on .
Over the last few weeks, reports in Italy have linked Juventus with a move for Manchester United forward Zirkzee, who moved to Old Trafford from Bologna for €42.5m in the summer of 2024.
Zirkzee has not quite been able to replicate the same form he showed in his final season in Serie A during the last two years that he has spent in the Premier League, and has been linked with a return to the Italian top flight on several occasions since then.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 04: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on December 04, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) With Michael Carrick now in charge at Manchester United, and with the signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko last summer, Zirkzee has fallen further down the pecking order in the attacking ranks at Old Trafford.
And, with the latest news that Rashford will be ‘reintegrated’ into the Manchester United squad following his loan spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona over the last 18 months, regular game-time could be hard to come by for Zirkzee this season.
La Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that Juventus are interested in a loan deal, potentially with an option to buy, but are not in a position to offer a permanent transfer at this stage of the season. There have also been claims that United are willing to make Zirkzee available for loan this summer.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 20: Joshua Zirkzee looks on during a Manchester United training session ahead of the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Carrington Training Ground on May 20, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images) A reported net salary of €3.5m per season is not expected to be a major issue for Juventus either.
The only ‘obstacle’ is the need to move on Canada international David before bringing in another attacking signing this summer, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports.
Zirkzee has scored nine goals and provided four assists from 75 appearances across all competitions during his last two seasons with Manchester United.
He had scored 11 goals with five assists from 34 appearances in Serie A in 2023-24, helping Bologna to qualify for an historic Champions League campaign under Thiago Motta and being named the division’s U23 player of the year in the process.
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What happened
Juventus are interested in taking Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United, with a buy option potentially included. Rashford has been told he can leave United in January after being omitted from several matchday squads by manager Rúben Amorim. The arrival of Rashford at Juventus would create competition for Joshua Zirkzee, who has struggled for form since joining United from Bologna last summer. Zirkzee has scored only a few goals and was recently substituted at halftime in a match against Newcastle.
Chance analysis
This transfer link has tactical implications for both clubs. For Juventus, adding Rashford on loan would be a low-risk move to bolster their attack. For Zirkzee, a Rashford exit from United would not necessarily solve his form issues, as Amorim has shown a willingness to use multiple forwards. The decision is ultimately United's, and their handling of Rashford will directly influence Zirkzee's minutes and confidence. This is a fluid situation that could change the shape of both squads' second half of the season.
Rashford's potential Juventus move creates attacking competition and could ease Zirkzee's minutes at United while boosting Juventus' forward options.
If Rashford departs United, Zirkzee may get more opportunities but still faces stiff competition; if he joins Juventus, expect Rashford to compete for a starting spot in attack.