Gullit Urges Zirkzee to Quit United: 'The Atmosphere Isn't Right'

Ruud Gullit reckons Joshua Zirkzee should get out of Manchester United while he can, convinced his fellow countryman made a mistake in swapping Bologna for Old Trafford in the first place.

United paid around £36.5m to land Zirkzee last summer, but the Netherlands international has failed to justify that outlay. A tally of three goals across 32 appearances in his debut campaign has given way to just two goals in 14 matches this season, with opportunities increasingly hard to come by under the current regime.

Speculation has swirled about a potential Roma switch during this window, though Ruben Amorim's recent departure and Michael Carrick's arrival as interim boss has muddied the waters somewhat. Gullit, however, is firmly of the view that Zirkzee should force his way out and use Scott McTominay's career trajectory as a blueprint for success away from Manchester.

Speaking to FootItalia, the former Chelsea man made his position crystal clear: "I hope he leaves. There was always something nagging at me about whether Manchester United was the right fit. Staying in Italy with a stronger side would have served him better. Bologna provided a solid platform, but he needed a proper step up within Serie A rather than this move."

He went on to articulate deeper concerns about the club's current state. "There's clearly an issue at Manchester United that needs addressing. The atmosphere isn't right. The vibe just isn't there," Gullit observed. "McTominay is the perfect example of what can happen when you escape. The transformation has been remarkable—truly incredible to witness. At United he was almost a spectator, but since leaving he's thriving. Playing week in, week out makes all the difference."

Former United defender Paul Parker shares Gullit's pessimism about Zirkzee's prospects at the club. Parker believes the striker simply doesn't possess the quality required to succeed at that level, particularly when compared to summer arrival Benjamin Sesko.

"He's nowhere near Sesko's standard," Parker told AceOdds.com in December. "Sesko is selfless with intelligent movement, and the gulf between them is massive. Zirkzee falls well short of what Manchester United demands."

Parker's assessment goes deeper still. He sees a player attempting flash and flair without substance—a mismatch between ambition and ability. "Everything he does feels forced," the former defender continued. "I don't see it working out for him at United. His frustration is understandable, but ultimately it's on him. You have to wonder what United spotted in him initially. Yes, he's decent on the ball with reasonable technique, but he won't be the difference-maker this club needs."

The irony, Parker notes, is that Zirkzee is getting minutes primarily because Sesko's injury has opened the door—a situation the striker might actually prefer to remain closed if it meant securing a loan exit in January.