Manchester United approves Zirkzee loan to Juventus as Rashford's contract triggers £4 million raise

Manchester United have given the green light for a loan move of 25‑year‑old Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee to Serie A club Juventus. Juventus sporting director Ricky Massara is pursuing a short‑term loan without a purchase option after Zirkzee expressed a strong desire to return to Italy following a difficult spell in the Premier League.

At the same time, United’s qualification for the Champions League has activated a clause in Marcus Rashford’s contract, automatically increasing his annual salary by about £4 million (a 25 % rise to roughly £20 million). The raise applies despite Rashford’s limited playing time last season, adding further financial pressure on the club as it plans its squad for the upcoming campaign.