'Slow' Zirkzee tipped for quick exit from 'crazy' Man Utd

Tom Weber

Updated: 15 Oct 2024 12:13 BST
3 min read

Ex-Premier League star Paolo di Canio has expressed doubts about Joshua Zirkzee's suitability for Man Utd and even suggested that he could leave the club on loan.

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The Dutchman has had a difficult start to life at Old Trafford. After playing a key role in Bologna's successful 2023/24 season, Man Utd snapped him up for €42.5 million, but Zirkzee has only found the back of the net once so far.

This was a concern raised by those familiar with his game ahead of his transfer. Coach Erik ten Hag had wanted a prolific scorer, but this has never been Zirkzee's game and the doubters have been proven correct.

While it is still very early on in his Man Utd career, some already believe that Zirkzee won't be a success in Manchester. Former Premier League striker Paolo di Canio is one of them.

Di Canio on Zirkzee

The controversial ex-West Ham star, who recently said that he would 'arrest' those calling the shots at Man Utd for selling Scott McTominay to Napoli, has given his thoughts on Zirkzee in conversation with Tuttosport.

“I would loan Zirkzee from Man Utd [for Juventus]. They’ve been making crazy choices for several years and none of them are working, not even Zirkzee who’s a bit too slow for the Premier League.

"Perhaps he’ll prove me wrong with goals and great performances, but in England, they attack you straight away and [referees] whistle 30 per cent fewer fouls.

“In Italy, we saw his impact on Bologna. In the end, amidst the confusion at United, they could even loan him out. They already have [Rasmus] Hojlund, and then there’s [Marcus] Rashford who can play as a striker.

"He’d be the perfect profile for Juventus, also because it would allow [Thiago] Motta to have a striker with different characteristics to [Dusan] Vlahovic. Zirkzee isn’t a devastating scorer, he’s not someone who can score 25 goals, but he helps others play well.”

Read more about: Premier League, Man Utd, Joshua Zirkzee