Mansion Sports – Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit has urged Joshua Zirkzee to leave Manchester United. 

The Netherlands international joined Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 as the club sought new attacking inspiration. 

However, he has struggled to find consistency in England, prompting Gullit to advise him to move on, claiming that “every player who leaves Manchester United ends up playing better.”

Former United Players Flourishing After Departing Old Trafford

That observation appears to ring true for several players once considered disappointments at The Theatre of Dreams. 

Marcus Rashford, who lost his starting spot under manager Ruben Amorim, rediscovered his form while on loan at Aston Villa. 

His impressive performances earned him a transfer to Barcelona, where he regained recognition in the England national team.

Brazilian winger Antony has also enjoyed a resurgence in La Liga with Real Betis after being labeled a £85 million ($112 million) flop at Manchester United. 

Meanwhile, Scott McTominay became a hero in Serie A after winning the league title with Napoli, where he now plays alongside Rasmus Hojlund, who has also been prolific in Italy.

Alejandro Garnacho has impressed since joining Chelsea, further highlighting the pattern of players thriving away from Old Trafford. 

Reports suggest that Zirkzee could follow a similar path during the upcoming January transfer window, with Roma and AC Milan reportedly interested in bringing the former Bologna striker back to Serie A.

Gullit: “The Problem Might Be Manchester United Itself”

Gullit believes that the 24-year-old forward should seek a fresh start elsewhere. Speaking to Video Gamer, he stated, “Every player who leaves Manchester United ends up playing well. The problem might actually be Manchester United itself. I would advise Zirkzee to leave and play more football. If possible, go back to Italy — whether on loan or permanently — the important thing is to play. He is a talented player, but the situation at Manchester United is difficult right now. They have started to show some improvement in recent weeks, and I hope they can maintain it, because a strong Manchester United is good for the Premier League.”

Zirkzee, who scored only seven goals for United last season and has yet to start a Premier League match this campaign, needs consistent playing time to secure his place in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Gullit Confident in Netherlands’ 2026 World Cup Prospects

When asked about the Dutch national team’s chances at the upcoming tournament, the 1987 Ballon d’Or winner responded positively: “We have a very strong squad, and I feel optimistic about our players. However, we concede goals too easily. We have so many talented individuals, yet we often lose concentration at the back. That’s something we must fix. I think Koeman is doing a very good job, but in football, you also need a bit of luck at crucial moments. I truly believe they can win the World Cup.”

Gullit Rules Out Return to Coaching

Gullit made it clear that he has no interest in returning to management, saying he will be watching the tournament from afar. Having previously coached Chelsea, Newcastle United, Feyenoord, and LA Galaxy, the 63-year-old insists that his coaching days are over.

The Dutch legend highlighted the immense pressure that comes with modern football management, referencing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s experience at Manchester United. “I don’t want to be a coach, and honestly, I never wanted to be one. It just happened. You can’t really enjoy your life in that job. Look at managers — they’re all bald, grey, and miserable. It’s a hard life. I remember when Ole Solskjaer first arrived at United; he looked so happy. By the time he left, he looked like Gollum from The Lord of the Rings! Even Jurgen Klopp now looks much happier away from it.”

The Fate of Coaches and Manchester United’s Current Situation

Both Jurgen Klopp, who left Liverpool in 2024, and Solskjaer are currently without coaching positions. 

Solskjaer’s last managerial role was with Turkish club Besiktas, but he departed in August. He now has more time to watch Manchester United matches as the team gradually regains its rhythm under Ruben Amorim.

After a sluggish start to the 2025–26 campaign, Amorim’s side have climbed to seventh in the Premier League table, showing signs of improvement and stability as the season progresses.