Manchester United need another striker this summer and appear to have picked out a top target to bolster Erik ten Hag’s options in the final third.
Erik ten Hag is now planning for a third season as Manchester United boss with Ineos ready to back him once again.
The Dutchman oversaw a decline for United last season but did end the campaign with an FA Cup final victory.
Ten Hag must now get United back on the right path and he needs reinforcements this summer – including up front.
United splashed the cash on Rasmus Hojlund last summer and saw the Dane show real promise in his first season at Old Trafford.
Hojlund was forced to shoulder much of the load in attack though with Anthony Martial missing the second half of the campaign.
Now leaving at the end of his contract, Martial’s departure means United certainly need to add another striker to help Hojlund in the final third.
Manchester United target Joshua Zirkzee praised
United appear to be focusing on Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.
Reports suggest that United are now closing in on signing Zirkzee with main rivals AC Milan now backing away from the race.
It’s believed that United are prepared to activate Zirkzee’s £34million release clause and bring him to Old Trafford.
The former Bayern Munich talent hit 11 goals this past season, helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League.
Zirkzee still needs some development but has been praised by Willem Weijs, who featured on the Anderlecht coaching staff during Zirkzee’s time with the Belgian side.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Weijs highlighted that Zirkzee has ‘a good physique’ at 6ft 4in tall, but believes that his technical ability is what really sets him apart.
Weijs feels that Zirkzee’s ability in that areas is ‘really spectacular’ and believes that his technique allows to get himself out of tough battles with defenders.
“He has a good physique but it is his skill,” said Weijs. “His technical abilities in tiny spaces are really spectacular. He is so comfortable on the ball. His first touch is always soft. That means he creates a lot of time for himself to find solutions in complicated situations,” he added.
Zirkzee likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic
One popular comparison surrounds former Manchester United hitman Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Tall strikers with exceptional technique often receive that comparison and Zirkzee is no different.
“His qualities back then reminded me of those of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, I thought so on several occasions. And I think, in flashes, he still reminds me a lot of him,” said former Feyenoord academy boss Damien Hertog.
“It has been clear for some time that he is a strong player. Those who are good take these talents, cultivate them and manage to make them explode. For some moves I see Ibra again. He is an atypical striker who also manages to score many goals,” said Torino boss Ivan Juric.
Reaching Ibrahimovic’s level won’t be easy but Zirkzee has huge potential – that is why there is such a battle for his signature this summer.
Milan’s interest could present Zirkzee with a chance to really follow in Ibrahimovic’s footsteps and the Swede recently commented on a deal.
Ibrahimovic serves as an advisor at Milan and admitted some interest in Zirkzee, even if he doesn’t necessarily like the comparisons being made between the pair.
“Last year we made a great transfer market and there is a team basis. This transfer market will be made up of details to improve the team. We need a 9,” said Ibrahimovic. “Olivier made a great move work. Zirkzee is a strong player with potential. The rumours that go around don’t often correspond to reality. I don’t like comparisons, but he plays very well,” he added.
Zirkzee may instead join United and battle it out with Hojlund in the final third, giving United two strikers with major potential for the future.