Roma target Joshua Zirkzee received criticism from the English media despite scoring in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Wolves.
Roma target Joshua Zirkzee hooked at half-time in dour Manchester United draw
Speculation linking Zirkzee with Roma has intensified in recent weeks amid his continuing struggles at Old Trafford.
The Giallorossi are looking to strengthen their attacking ranks, and they’ve identified the former Bologna star as a key target.
Zirkzee has not been having a great time at Man United, which has increased Roma’s chances of landing him in January.
The Netherlands international has fewer than 500 minutes under his belt for Man United this season.
And while Zirkzee scored for his side on Tuesday night, he also played a big part in Wolves’ equaliser on 45 minutes.
He tried to head a corner kick away but ended up sending a looping ball into the air, which Ladislav Krejci headed home.
Ruben Amorim ended up subbing Zirkzee off at half-time, while full-time brought about a wave of media criticism.
‘Not enough’
The Manchester Evening News gave Zirkzee just 5 out of 10 for his efforts on the night.
“Goal owed a lot to good fortune,” they wrote about the Roma target.
“It came after more fancy flicks and there were plenty of those, but not enough of the dirty work that Amorim had demanded.”
The Express gave Zirkzee 6 out of 10, but they only did so because of his goal, saying he probably deserved a 5.
“Not really in the game until his deflected strike put United 1-0 up,” they wrote.
“Did well to make the space to shoot but then never got in the game after that either.
“Gets a 6/10 purely for scoring – probably deserved a 5 too.”
And The Sun went as low as a 4 out of 10 as they delivered a brutal verdict.
Zirkzee 438 minutes played
Sesko 860 minutes played
Zirkzee beats Sesko in almost every measurable metric, definitely and offensively… also equal on goals.
Amorim and a section of this fanbase need to take up another sport. pic.twitter.com/OJTp8KLBxg
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐭𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐞 (@TheUtdArchive) December 30, 2025
“The Dutchman might think he did enough to prove the manager wrong after his deflected strike opened the scoring,” they wrote. “But he did not.
“His poor flick-on at the near post from Wolves’ corner set-up the equaliser. He was then missing from the gaping back post for Krejci’s cracking header.
“Zirkzee’s work-rate off the ball drew another earful from Amorim.
“Some United fans applauded when the announcer said Zirkzee had been subbed at half-time – 365 days after he was cheered off against Newcastle.”
Roma could bag themselves Rasmus Hojlund Mk II
Zirkzee’s night very much summed up his time at Man United so far.
He scored a goal but then suffered a costly moment ahead of the manager deciding change was needed.
Amorim defended the half-time substitution, saying it was about better midfield control rather than punishment.
However, that decision very much suggests things aren’t going to plan for Zirkzee.
Roma will be watching closely, because Zirkzee is becoming more attainable with each passing matchweek.
And considering how Rasmus Hojlund has been doing away from Man United, Roma may well think lightning could strike twice.
At the same time, Roma should be mindful of Everton’s reported interest in Zirkzee.
