‘The quality isn’t there’ - Man Utd legend SLAMS summer signing

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 8 Oct 2024 10:49 BST
• 3 min read

Man Utd legend Paul Scholes has hit out at summer signing Joshua Zirkzee, believing he lacks the quality and goals to make it at the club.

Zirkzee joined Man Utd from Bologna this summer for over €40 million as Erik ten Hag moved to bring in a much-needed new centre forward.

Zirkzee scored on his Premier League debut against Fulham but he has struggled badly since then and failed to score another goal.

With United having only scored five Premier League goals in seven matches, leaving them in 14th position, Scholes believes a lack of firepower is a big reason for their struggles.

What did Scholes say?

“In forward areas especially, I just don’t think the quality is there,” Scholes said. “We go back to the most successful teams, [and] they’re capable of scoring goals. What have we scored? Five goals in seven games.

“Now we had three or four forwards who could get you 20 goals, so you’re looking at 80 goals a season there, and I just don’t see that in the forward line at Manchester United.

“Look, Hojlund does alright, but is he going to score you 20 goals? I don’t think so. Zirkzee… what is he? Is he a No.9 or a No.10? Is he going to get you 20 goals? I don’t think so. I think they’re relying more on hope than actual proven quality – and they spent so much money as well.”

Zirkzee had initially been expected to join AC Milan originally this summer, but they pulled out of the race and that allowed United to complete the deal.

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The 23-year-old was one of the standout players in Serie A last season, and he was often compared to former Milan and Barcelona star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

But he is yet to show that form at Old Trafford.

Zirkzee at Bologna

Zirkzee led Bologna to a shock qualification into this season’s Champions League under manager Thiago Motta.

Zirkzee delivered 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions as Bologna finished fifth in Serie A.

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He was the key man for a Bologna team who performed well above their weight under Motta to qualify for the Champions League.

Standing at 6ft 4in, Zirkzee is a giant of a striker who at Bologna was expert at holding up the ball and bringing others into play.

Zirkzee went to Euro 2024 with Netherlands but barely featured under Ronald Koeman.