Endrick's reported AC Milan preference leaves Zirkzee's United future in further doubt

Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Manchester United looks increasingly precarious after a report in La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed AC Milan have shifted their transfer focus toward Real Madrid forward Endrick — with the Brazilian apparently indicating his preference to join the Serie A club in January.

Milan had previously been linked with Zirkzee, who has struggled for consistent game time at Old Trafford since joining United. The 23-year-old has made just five Premier League starts since the beginning of last season, and has not started once in the current campaign despite featuring four times as a substitute. Should Milan secure Endrick, it would effectively remove one of the few clubs showing concrete interest in Zirkzee, leaving United with limited options to move him on.

Ruben Amorim is reportedly keen to bring in a new striker during the January window, which adds another layer of pressure on Zirkzee’s position. A deadline-day loan move to Everton collapsed last summer without getting close to completion, and speculation over his future has persisted ever since.

Zirkzee has spoken candidly about his situation. “At the moment, that means I am mainly coming on as a substitute,” he said recently. “And in the end, I have to do something about that myself, even if it isn’t easy.”

The striker admitted surprise at being included in the latest Netherlands squad under new manager Xavi, given his limited role at club level. “I absolutely did not expect a call-up. I’m obviously not a starter, so it did give me a good feeling that the coach had confidence in me,” he said. “But absolutely not expected, no.”

United spent heavily on midfield reinforcements in the summer, bringing in Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans, and Andrey Santos alongside goalkeeper Karl Darlow. A striker, however, was not added to the squad, and the Endrick-to-Milan development suggests that gap may be harder to fill — or vacate — than the club anticipated.