Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is running out of time to secure more game time as the club faces a shortage of attacking options. With Benjamin Sesko out until Christmas and Matheus Cunha on Brazil duty, Zirkzee is the only natural striker currently training under manager Ruben Amorim.
The Dutch forward was among eight senior players who remained at Carrington during the international break, and his involvement in Monday’s Premier League clash against Everton is seen as crucial for his future. Despite United’s striker crisis, Zirkzee has played only 13 minutes since mid-September and has been linked with a potential January move back to Serie A.
Amorim could again turn to Mason Mount as a false nine, though previous experiments in that role have been unsuccessful—including the failed Kobbie Mainoo trial last season. With United short of options, Zirkzee now has a golden opportunity to step up.
Under-18 Struggles
Manchester United’s U18s, who began the season with five straight victories, have dipped in form with three defeats in their last five matches. They now sit fourth, seven points behind leaders Manchester City. Rising star JJ Gabriel, who recently turned 15, has been a standout performer.
Fan Frustration Over Ticket Checks
United’s away supporters faced controversy during the trip to Tottenham, where many were asked to verify their tickets with photo ID. Fans without formal ID were asked to show their social media profiles or their Manchester United app, sparking concerns that the checks were “overreaching” and “potentially illegal.”
The club defended the process, insisting it is part of efforts to combat ticket touting, especially as away tickets in London have been selling for thousands of pounds on the black market.
Club Staff Changes
Manchester United are set to bring in Robert Fawdon, a communications lead from Arsenal, to strengthen their media operations. This comes as senior press officer Andrew Ward prepares to leave the club. The communications department has seen several changes in recent years, with only one long-serving member, George McCaffrey, remaining.
Players Arriving Earlier at Carrington
Since the opening of the revamped £50m Carrington facility, players have been arriving up to an hour early for training and staying longer to use new amenities such as the games room, barbershop, sauna, and ice bath areas. Many players now spend up to seven hours at the training complex as part of improved recovery routines.
United Players Favour the Suburbs
New goalkeeper Senne Lammens has already moved to the Manchester suburbs, continuing a long-standing trend of United players avoiding city-centre living—a tradition dating back to Sir Alex Ferguson. Most players now settle in Cheshire areas like Hale or Alderley Edge.
Old Trafford Expands Safe-Standing
United have added 6,000 more rail seats at Old Trafford ahead of the Everton match, bringing the total to 13,577. Safe-standing now makes up 18% of the stadium capacity and aims to improve the matchday atmosphere, especially in the Stretford End.