Man Utd not convinced by new signing Joshua Zirkzee

Carlo Garganese

• 1 Sept 2024 11:30 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United’s actions in the summer transfer market show they were not completely convinced by new signing Joshua Zirkzee.

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

However, according to The Athletic, United were not completely convinced by the merits of Zirkzee.

First of all, he was not their first choice as their new number nine. That player was Benjamin Sesko, who United planned to sign until he penned a new contract to stay at Leipzig.

Then, even after turning to Zirkzee, United wanted to safeguard themselves by signing another striker this summer.

They wanted someone with Premier League experience and considered Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Everton.

In the end, United couldn’t make the maths work and were left with Zirkzee only.

Zirkzee scored on his Premier League debut to give Man Utd the win against Fulham but he has only appeared as a substitute so far since joining.

The forward had 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 has often been compared to former Milan and Barcelona star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Zirkzee at Bologna

Zirkzee led Bologna to a shock qualification into next 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 is expert at holding up the ball and bringing others into play.

He is strong at protecting the ball with his back to play, but he is also excellent technically, boasting quick feet and able to move out of tight spaces.

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