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Real Betis plot Antony-style swoop for frustrated Manchester United star

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Oct 19, 2025 9:55 AM ET

Real Betis eyeing Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee for a January loan

Manchester United face another uneasy situation with Joshua Zirkzee, the Dutch forward who arrived last summer with high expectations and a substantial transfer fee. His time at Old Trafford has not gone as planned. The young striker once aimed to become a long-term option for United’s attack. Now, he struggles through a difficult spell.n

He has played only a few minutes under Ruben Amorim this season, which has raised significant doubts about his role and future. We reported earlier that he feels frustrated with the Portuguese manager due to the lack of game time. Now, reports from Fichajes say Real Betis have spotted a chance. The Andalusian club watch Zirkzee closely and view him as a good fit to strengthen their forward line in January.

Betis want to improve their attack and plan to offer a loan deal similar to the one Manchester United once agreed with Antony, now their star in Seville. English reports claim that Betis officials have already held early informal talks with Zirkzee’s camp. The club trusts their past contact with United’s board to help them complete the deal.

Everton continue to show interest in Zirkzee as well. Even so, Betis want to act more decisively in their pursuit. The January window could decide whether the Dutchman keeps waiting for chances at Old Trafford or leaves to start fresh elsewhere.

Where Zirkzee could fit at Real Betis?

If Zirkzee joins Real Betis, his flexibility gives Manuel Pellegrini several options. The team’s 4-2-3-1 setup allows players to move freely across the front line. Zirkzee possesses creativity with strength and can fill different attacking roles. The 24-year-old prefers to play as a centre-forward and would challenge Borja Iglesias, Chimy Ávila, and Cédric Bakambu for that spot. He holds up play well and poses a strong aerial threat, which should strengthen Betis’ attack.

Still, Pellegrini could use him as an attacking midfielder behind the main striker. In that position, Zirkzee can link up with Isco and Pablo Fornals and connect midfield with attack through his passing skills and proper positioning sense. During his time at Bologna, the Dutchman often moved wide, so Betis could also play him on either flank if needed. That flexibility will help the manager fit in Antony or Abde Ezzalzouli without disrupting the system.

Zirkzee now needs to find a club that lets him play regularly instead of sitting on the bench at United. At 24, he values consistency more than reputation. A move to Betis could help the Dutch forward rebuild confidence and recover the rhythm that once made him one of Europe’s most promising forwards.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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