Manchester United player decides to leave, forced to stay misses World Cup! Mazraoui resumes training available for Villa match.

Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee is seriously contemplating a departure from the club during the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old Dutch national team player has made only four starts this season and is almost guaranteed to be excluded from the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America. Zirkzee's previous start for Manchester United dates back to the match against Wolves on December 30.

That match holds no pleasant memories for Zirkzee either; he scored a spectacular goal but was substituted by Ruben Amorim at halftime, once again facing boos from the home fans. Since then, Manchester United has changed managers twice, and Zirkzee has not been included in the starting lineup.

Amorim was initially willing to allow Zirkzee to leave during the winter transfer window, but he was dismissed. Subsequently, Manchester United's management blocked any departure deals as they had no plans for January signings. After United failed in their £65 million pursuit of Antoine Semenyo, Zirkzee's exit became increasingly difficult.

At that time, Zirkzee was also willing to stay at Manchester United to finish the season, holding onto hope that he could replicate last season's form. However, reality shattered his illusions; this season, United have no European competitions, and they exited both the FA Cup and the League Cup in the first round, leaving him only appearances during insignificant minutes.

Under manager Carrick, Zirkzee has only played four times, with durations of 3 minutes, 8 minutes, 4 minutes, and 13 minutes respectively, naturally achieving little impact.

Zirkzee has attracted strong interest from Serie A clubs since last season, with Roma and Juventus having approached him this term. His style is considered most suitable for Italian football. When United signed him for €42.5 million, they hoped he would compete with Højlund, but both have struggled with scoring.

Zirkzee cannot fulfill the role of a traditional number 9; in 69 appearances for Manchester United, he has scored only 9 goals, with just two Premier League goals in the past year. He is more suited to playing as a number 10, but that position at United is occupied by Bruno Fernandes, the 31-year-old Portuguese international who is an "iron man" rarely requiring substitution.

Before this season began, United spent €85 million on Šeško, the 22-year Slovenian striker who often finds himself on the bench. In United's 32 matches so far this season, 14 have featured a false nine system, with Mbeumo or Cunha acting as the pseudo-striker.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS management team attributes Zirkzee's transfer to former sporting director Dan Ashworth, considering it a mistaken deal. United are expected to sign a new left winger in the summer transfer window; selling Zirkzee for €30 million could fund this move. Since Mbeumo, Cunha, and even Amad Diallo can cover the striker role, United may opt not to buy a new center-forward.

There are nine matches remaining in the season; barring major surprises, Zirkzee is unlikely to start any, including the crucial Premier League top-three clash against Aston Villa at home this Sunday. Ahead of this match, manager Carrick confirmed positive news: right-back Mazraoui is available.

In the previous 1-2 loss to Newcastle United, Mazraoui was substituted due to injury at 85 minutes. His replacement, Tyrell Malacia, defended poorly, leading to United's late defeat. Notably, that was also Mazraoui's first start under Carrick.

British media confirm that Mazraoui resumed normal training on Wednesday, securing United's depth in the full-back positions and potentially avoiding further use of Malacia. Carrick is expected to provide updates on De Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, Patrick Doku, and Mason Mount in Friday's pre-match press conference, with only Mount possibly having a chance to return.