Manchester United Sack Amorim – And Roma’s Zirkzee Plan Is Now At Risk
There's a real risk Man United could hit pause on any major outgoings.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 06 January 2026
Manchester United decide to sack head coach Ruben Amorim, which could complicate Roma’s push to sign Joshua Zirkzee in the January transfer window.
Manchester United sack Ruben Amorim after passionate post-match presser
Speculation linking Roma and Zirkzee has been intensifying over the past few weeks.
Zirkzee has struggled at Manchester United, with just 474 minutes and two goals under his belt this season.
Meanwhile, Roma have been looking for attacking reinforcements to boost their Serie A title tilt.
And considering Zirkzee has a great record at Serie A level, the former Bologna man is a logical choice for the Giallorossi.
Zirkzee’s troubles at Man United also suggest he would be attainable – but that could all change now.
The Red Devils confirmed on Monday morning that they had parted company with Amorim after 14 months in charge.
Club statement: Ruben Amorim.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 5, 2026
On Friday, Amorim hinted that his relationship with Man United officials had become strained, suggesting he would not be fully backed in the transfer market.
After Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds, the Portuguese coach aimed another pointed remark at senior figures, saying he wanted to work as a manager “not the coach”.
Amorim added that he would be looking to leave when his contract expires in 18 months.
Less than 24 hours later, United confirmed Amorim had “departed his role as head coach of Manchester United”.
Amorim’s coaching team has also left, with Darren Fletcher taking the reins as interim coach.
Why Old Trafford could now hit pause on Zirkzee to Roma deal
A mid-season coaching change often brings with it a recruitment reset.
United’s hierarchy may now prefer to delay decisions until a new boss has assessed the squad.
That is a particular risk for Roma, because their approach relies on the Red Devils agreeing a specific formula rather than a straight sale.
The Giallorossi’s Zirkzee offer is a loan with conditions attached, with negotiations centred on structure, fees and triggers.
If the incoming coach wants to see Zirkzee up close, a temporary ‘no outgoings’ stance becomes the simplest option, even if the player is keen.
There is also the question of optics. A new coach rarely wants to sanction an attacker’s exit without a replacement plan underway.
Man United have effectively lost Rasmus Hojlund, with Napoli saying they’ll take up the option to buy him.
The prospect of another striker leaving Old Trafford and thriving elsewhere would be hard for fans to take.
With that in mind, there’s a real risk Man United could hit pause on Zirkzee to Roma in January.
Roma need attacking reinforcements this month, so this would be a major blow to the Giallorossi’s hopes for the rest of the season.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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