£36.5m Man United signing may force a winter transfer after damaging FA Cup collapse

Manchester United hit a new low after their elimination from the FA Cup in the third round on Sunday.

The Red Devils lost 2-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford, confirming another early cup exit.

The consequences are stark, with United now staring at an unprecedented 2025–26 campaign featuring just 40 matches, their shortest season since 1914–15.

Such a reduced schedule creates a new headache, leaving the club with the near-impossible challenge of keeping a bloated squad satisfied with limited minutes.

Joshua Zirkzee is emerging as one of the most prominent victims of this crunch for game time.

The Dutch forward has been restricted to just 518 minutes across 16 appearances, never truly finding rhythm or momentum.

Despite contributing two goals and one assist, he remains firmly behind Benjamin Sesko in the pecking order for the number nine role.

At present, it is difficult to see a clear path to first-choice status, with Zirkzee lacking the explosive pace and ruthless edge needed in the final third.

The 24-year-old has lost his place in the Netherlands squad and is desperate to be part of the team for the World Cup this year.

Playing regularly in a competitive environment is the only way for him to earn his place back.

AS Roma are keen to sign him in this winter transfer window.

It was reported that the Italian outfit want to sign him on loan with an obligation to make the deal permanent in the summer.

After United’s FA Cup exit, the £36.5 million signing may force the club to sanction his exit to Roma this winter.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .