Man Utd's Joshua Zirkzee issues Zlatan Ibrahimovic wish

Cameron Smith

15 Sept 2024 19:30 BST
3 min read

Joshua Zirkzee, Man Utd, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee has named ex-Red Devils superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a player he would like to be compared to.

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The Netherlands forward, who moved to Old Trafford from Bologna in July, scored the winner on his Man Utd debut against Fulham on the opening day of the new Premier League season.

Zirkzee notched his first international goal versus Bosnia & Herzegovina last week and he subsequently named Ibrahimovic as a player he would like to be compared to.

As per The Mirror, Zirkzee admitted: “I would love it if, in a few years’ time, people said that my game looks a bit like Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“The start, with the winning goal against Fulham, was nice. Then we lost twice - and you know that at a big club like Manchester United the attention then comes full on.

“I believe it will be fine. I've always had that. I never doubted it would still work out with my career. As a player, you gradually discover what you need to do to get to the top level and what you must cut out.

“The defeat against Liverpool was shameful. But when I see the team training, I do think we are on the right track. I missed chances against Liverpool. Did I get into the right position? Yes, but what is the point when the ball does not end up in the net?

“I had really good talks with Erik ten Hag. It's unfortunate that the start was disappointing, but we know what we need to work on. Yes, it is about adjusting. Whether it is also tougher than Serie A? Yes, it could be.

“At Bologna, we had ball possession very often. In England, I feel the game undulates much more. It’s up and down and indeed different.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Man Utd

During his two-and-a-half year spell at Old Trafford, Ibrahimovic made 53 appearances for the club and he scored 29 goals in all competitions.

The Sweden legend helped Man Utd win the Europa League and the League Cup during his debut season with the club before leaving to join LA Galaxy in 2018.