How Man Utd will line up with Joshua Zirkzee

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 14 Jul 2024 16:18 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have completed the signing of Joshua Zirkzee to replace Anthony Martial, who left as a free agent and add some depth to the No.9 position.

Rather than triggering his €40 million release clause, Man Utd decided to negotiate a slightly higher fee of €42.5m but with more favourable payment terms. Zirkzee has signed until 2029, with the option for a further year.

The striker has thus become another Dutchman brought to Old Trafford by Erik ten Hag. Prior to Man Utd making their move, Zirkzee had an agreement with AC Milan, but the deal fell apart over his agent's commission demands.

READ MORE: Man Utd complete signing of Joshua Zirkzee

During his time at Bologna, Zirkzee was never the most prolific, but his unique skillset and towering physical profile made him an attractive option and one pursued by many clubs. Man Utd appear to have made a shrewd signing.

How Man Utd would line up with Joshua Zirzkee

The striker has become the first name through the door at Man Utd ahead of the 2024/25 season and also the first major player arrival of the INEOS era.

Zirkzee will either be played as the lone forward upfront in a 4-2-2-2 - the system Man Utd played during the second half of the season - or he will go in Ten Hag’s more traditional 4-3-2-1 formation.

FootballTransfers has chosen the latter. Matthijs de Ligt, who’s set to join from Bayern Munich, will no doubt be a starter for Man Utd on the right side of defence, especially with Raphael Varane now out of the club after his contract ran down.

Sitting to his left would be Lisandro Martinez, who missed most of last season through injury. His return would be greatly needed as Man Utd try and reclaim a spot in the Champions League, after missing out last season.

READ MORE: Man Utd’s 10 most expensive transfers of all time

Sitting either side of the pair in the full-back positions will be Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw.

Kobbie Mainoo will be one of the first names on the team sheet, slotted next to Scott McTominay as Christian Eriksen and Casemiro could leave. Bruno Fernandes will sit central with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on either side.

And here we have Zirkzee over Hojlund. The forward will be deployed as the lone striker, hoping to get his Man Utd career off to a glowing start.

GK: Andre Onana

RB: Diogo Dalot

CB: Matthijs de Ligt

CB:Lisandro Martinez

LB: Luke Shaw

DM: Kobbie Mainoo

DM: Scott McTominay

CM: Bruno Fernandes

RW: Alejandro Garnacho

ST: Joshua Zirkzee

LW: Marcus Rashford