Manchester United is expected to sign Joshua Zirkzee as its first summer move.
Manuel Ugarte, a midfielder, and Matthijs de Ligt, a defender, could join the Dutchman.
Zirkzee may move deeper into a number 10 role or substitute up front for Rasmus Hojlund.
At last, the much anticipated news has surfaced: Joshua Zirkzee will be Manchester United’s first acquisition under the INEOS regime. The Red Devils will cover the 42.5 million euro transfer fee over the following three years as part of the five-year contract that the Dutch forward has agreed to.

The 23-year-old’s performance at Euro 2024 as a rotational option after shining for Bologna has many curious about how he will fit in.

Rasmus Hojlund’s acquisition by United last season was a clear indication that both the team and their manager were focused on the future. After Cristiano Ronaldo left the team and Wout Weghorst’s loan agreement expired, the Red Devils were left without a recognized number nine in their lineup, thus they decided to go with an untested rookie.

After a strong debut season in England, Hojlund will undoubtedly benefit from Zirkzee’s reduction in goal-scoring pressure in his second Premier League season.

Hojlund will probably be Ten Hag’s first-choice striker when the season begins. But if he has trouble in the early going of the season, Zirkzee might get a chance to step up and take that job. Though not as much of a goal scorer as he is selfless

Zirkzee Alongside Hojlund

Playing Zirkzee and Hojlund together might potentially be a possibility because they are very distinct kinds of attackers. The former Bayern Munich player is much more of a “second striker,” one who will create space by dropping deeper than his future teammate who prefers to hang on the back end. This combo bears a striking resemblance to that of one of the finest pairings in Premier League history: Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole.

One star from United’s assault would have to sit out if the two were played together. Bruno Fernandes might play in a hybrid number 10/inside forward position on the right side if a 4-2-2-2 is possible, partnering with either Alejandro Garnacho, Rashford, or

Zirkzee as the 10

Bruno Fernandes could move to the right of a 4-2-3-1

If Ten Hag sticks with the 4-2-3-1 formation he has tended to favor over his two years in charge, there is a case to be made for him playing slightly deeper as the number 10 rather than alongside his future attack partner.

Although during the 2023–24 season the formation did frequently leave the midfield vulnerable, this problem might be mitigated with a more nimble and diligent assault. Zirkzee’s aggressive midfield role would compel Bruno Fernandes to move from his preferred position. To preserve their width with players like Rashford, Garnacho, and Amad Diallo, the Red Devils can also use the United captain to switch with his newest comrade in a flexible front four.

The Ivorian appears poised.

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