Milan legend Gullit encourages Manchester United outcast to move to Serie A: ‘He made a mistake’

Ruud Gullit has urged Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee to return to Serie A, admitting he believes the Dutch striker made a mistake by leaving Italy last summer.

Speaking to Metro.co.uk, the former Milan and Sampdoria star said Zirkzee should never have left Bologna, where he was “working hard and developing well,” before sealing his move to Old Trafford.

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“From my point of view, he should have stayed in Italy,” Gullit said. “He was doing really well at Bologna and I was hoping he would go to Milan.”

Ruud Gullit attends the Serie A match between Milan and Napoli.

Gullit: ‘Zirkzee made a mistake joining Manchester United’

Gullit didn’t hold back in his criticism of Zirkzee’s transfer decision.

“I think as soon as he went to Manchester United, it was a wrong move. For many players, joining Manchester United has been a mistake, and once they leave, they play well everywhere else in Europe.”

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The Dutch legend also offered his compatriot clear advice for the January transfer window:

“Go back to Italy on loan if you can. Just play football, he’s a good player, but right now it’s tough at Manchester United.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 20: Joshua Zirkzee looks on during a Manchester United training session ahead of the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 at Carrington Training Ground on May 20, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

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