Manchester United are looking to sign a striker in the summer, with several names linked to the club already.
A dilemma lies ahead for Manchester United for the upcoming transfer window, deciding which striker to bring to the club to support Rasmus Hojlund.
Anthony Martial looks certain to leave as a free agent. His role as back-up is one United need to fill, and with the next incoming striker expected to just provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund, there is no space for big egos either.
Decision makers Ineos are going to be big on ensuring that talent is matched by the right mindset of incoming players. Nobody wants to be left dealing with a player who sulks, rows with the manager, or leaks to the press, if he is not included in the starting line-up, and United have had a few of those in the recent past.
Why Joshua Zirkzee would be a fit for United
One player linked with a move to Manchester United is Serie A powerhouse Joshua Zirkzee, who has led the line for surprise package Bologna, who enter the international break in fourth place, ahead of reigning champions Napoli.
Sport Italia reported last month that United’s interest in Zirkzee is stronger than any other club. The 22-year-old former Bayern Munich man has scored 11 goals this season and provided three assists.
His teammate and club captain Lorenzo De Silvestri tells TMW that Zirkzee’s team focus and hard work behind the scenes help set him apart. These are traits that potential suitors may find interesting, United included.
He explained: “Joshua is a modern striker, I like to call him ‘pop’. He is modern because he links the game and communicates with the team, he is a technical leader because he takes on great responsibilities.
“I wish him the best because he is working so hard He combines his physical power with wonderful technique, he has changed the way he trains: this year he is doing it in an incredible way.”
Erik ten Hag has record of developing strikers
Zirkzee could potentially fit in well at Manchester United, providing another young option up front, and would share the load with Hojlund. He may be more than a back-up too.
Manager Erik ten Hag has a record of developing strikers, handing a debut to Brian Brobbey at Ajax, while playing a key role in Sebastien Haller’s development at Utrecht, and then Ajax. This week the Dortmund ace thanked Ten Hag for the pivotal role he played in his career.
We have seen this season how Ten Hag’s coaching staff have managed to help Rasmus Hojlund kick on too. They even managed to get something out of Anthony Martial at times last season before his chronic injury issues struck.
Zirkzee moving to Manchester United could be win-win for everybody. Unless you are Bologna, of course.