Matheus Cunha speaks after scoring in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Leeds and reveals his feelings about his team-mate potentially leaving in the January transfer window.
Matheus Cunha has told Joshua Zirkzee that he needs to forget about leaving Manchester United and do everything he can to help the team. Zirksee is linked with a move to Roma in the January transfer window, but he has made two notable contributions to United in recent weeks.
According to reports in Italy, the 24-year-old forward has struggled since joining United from Bologna in 2024 for £36.5m. Unable to secure a place in coach Ruben Amorim’s starting lineup, he reportedly agreed to move to Roma in January.
However, he started and scored in the 1-1 draw with Wolves last week and came on as a substitute against Leeds on Sunday to set up Cunha’s equaliser. The absence of Brian Mbeumo and Amad for the African Cup of Nations has made Zirkzee even more important to United, with his departure now in doubt.
The Dutchman reportedly met with Roma’s sporting director Ricky Massara and was assured by coach Gian Piero Gasparini that he would fit into Roma’s system. But Cunha implored his teammates to swallow their pride and help United during this difficult time.
read more: Transfer News LIVE: Liverpool agree to transfer, Wharton battle intensifies, tensions at Manchester Unitedread more: Wayne Rooney subjects Ruben Amorim to brutal reality check after shocking abuse at Manchester United
“I’m very happy for Josh,” he said on Match of the Day. “I feel that he has a lot of quality. Of course his situation is not easy, but he has everything to change the situation. We need him. He needs to understand that and then everyone will be able to trust him.”
“But yeah, we’re here to push him. And after last week’s goal and today’s assist, I think he can gain the confidence to be with us more and understand his role more in the team.”
Amorim’s view of Zirksee was evident in the starting XI he named at Elland Road on Sunday, with the forward left on the bench along with all of his academy players. However, Zirksee made a big difference when he came on as a substitute for Lenny Yolo in the second half and produced a moment worthy of the equalizing goal in Cunha.
His performance was praised by the coach after the match. “That’s really important,” Amorim said. “I think Ben (Sesco) connected better today. Josh, the 20 minutes he played, he was active.
“He created chances and created space for us, which is important. Also, Manu (Ugarte) played better today and helped the team create chances as well. So it was better than last week.”
Zirkzee has started just four Premier League games this season after signing Sesco, Cunha and Mbeumo for £200m in the summer transfer window. He has just nine goals and four assists in 63 appearances for United and could be handed a departure this month if the circumstances are different.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily Manchester United content from Mirror Football. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
