Mason Mount’s return to the matchday squad on Sunday meant there was no place for Shea Lacey for the trip to his native Merseyside.
Joshua Zirkzee’s inclusion is also what’s thought to be keeping the highly-rated youngster out of the squad, despite the Dutchman being linked with a move elsewhere all summer.
Joshua Zirkzee: What happened this summer?
Indeed, Zirkzee was tipped to depart Manchester United at various points throughout the window after falling almost entirely out of favour over the last year.
He had the chance to return to Serie A, where he spent two years with Bologna prior to his £36.5 million Old Trafford move, when receiving offers from the likes of Juventus and Fiorentina.
The best of Joshua Zirkzee against Crystal Palace 👌
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 2, 2026
However, he decided against making such moves. Then, on deadline day, Everton made an 11th-hour approach for Zirkzee when their pursuit of Folarin Balogun was on the verge of collapsing – but United closed off the prospect of a deal.
United deemed it far too late to do business, given they had no time to bring in another attacker.
Zirkzee still awaiting first outing of 2026/2027
When United faced the Toffees yesterday, Zirkzee was an unused substitute for the third successive game.
| Appearances | Starts | Unused | Minutes played |
| 10 | 1 | 8 | 127 |
Zirkzee’s record since Michael Carrick took charge
There is a chance he will feature in the Reds’ Champions League opener against Sabah on Thursday evening, as Michael Carrick may look to rest one or two forwards, but the 25-year-old is almost certain to start Sunday’s Manchester derby from the bench.
When United’s team news was confirmed at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, journalist Tyrone Marshall reacted on Twitter/X, saying: “Feels like a shame that Lacey is missing out on a place on the bench because Zirkzee didn’t get his move on deadline day.
“Zirkzee hasn’t got off the bench this season and will surely move in January. Lacey has the long-term future at Old Trafford.”
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