Joshua Zirkzee stays at Manchester United

Joshua Zirkzee is now expected to remain at Manchester United despite late deadline-day speculation over a move away from Old Trafford.

BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone has reported via X that he has been told Zirkzee will stay at United.

The update comes after Everton had been linked with a dramatic late move for the Dutch forward, while Fiorentina and Juventus had also explored deals earlier in the window.

Unless there is another unexpected twist before the deadline, Zirkzee will now continue as part of Michael Carrick’s attacking options.

Zirkzee had looked increasingly likely to depart after failing to feature in United’s opening two Premier League games of the season.

Fiorentina previously submitted a proposal worth a €5 million loan fee with a €30 million option to buy, but the striker rejected the opportunity to return to Serie A.

Juventus subsequently made contact over a possible deal, while Everton emerged as another destination during the closing hours of deadline day.

The Italian giants ended up signing Nick Woltemade from Newcastle United instead.

United had remained open to Joshua Zirkzee leaving.

However, keeping the Dutchman does provide United with useful depth across a demanding season which includes Champions League football.

Zirkzee offers something different to Sesko as a centre-forward.

Rather than constantly threatening the space behind defenders, he is at his best dropping towards midfield, linking attacks and combining with runners around him.

That profile could prove useful alongside the more direct qualities of United’s other forwards.

His challenge now will be forcing his way back into Carrick’s plans and taking advantage when opportunities arrive.

After a deadline day which appeared destined to end with another United departure, Zirkzee is instead set to fight for his place at Old Trafford.