Joshua Zirkzee can solve Manchester United goal-scoring woes.
Joshua Zirkzee can solve Manchester United goal-scoring woes
With just 40 goals scored in the Premier League so far, it’s safe to say Manchester United have found it hard to covert chances this season.
It hasn’t been an easy debut season at Old Trafford for Rasmus Højlund, who up until recently had no league goals to his name. That Marcus Rashford has been missing his shooting boots too has not helped the Danish striker’s case either.
Both his and United’s chances can be helped, however, with the acquisition of Joshua Zirkzee. The young Dutchman has been transformed into a lethal goal scorer under the tutelage of Thiago Motta and has been a key asset in Bologna’s push for a Champions League spot this season.
The 21-year-old Denmark international has just 7 goals from 21 Premier League appearances this season. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
The Serie A side have been completely revamped under Motta, who is now regarded as one of the hottest young prospects in football coaching. Zirkzee is but one of many other stars the Rossoblù will stand to make huge profits from, especially if they make the Champions League come the end of the current campaign.
Interestingly, Zirkzee revealed in an interview to Corriere della Sera, as reported by Get Football News Italy, his preference to play alongside another attacker up top.
“I’m not a pure center forward. I said a year ago that I liked playing with an attacking partner. But Motta transformed me into a 9 and a half. I’m not an Arnautovic type, I like to come forward after playing the ball and help the team. And score goals.”
🔴🇳🇱 Bologna gem Joshua Zirkzee has €40m release clause into current deal.
❗️ Bayern can get him for 50% of this fee as buy back clause negotiated when Zirkzee was sold to Bologna.
This is a crucial tidbit for the Red Devils, who could look to pair up the young Højlund with the young Dutchman in an attempt to boost their goal conversion rate next year. AC Milan are also in the race for the 22-year-old but as per Fussball.news (h/t Manchester Evening News), the Red Devils hold the upper edge.
It is also important to note that Zirkzee has a buyout clause of €40 million, which is applicable for all clubs, but Bayern Munich could get him for half that fee. Should he move to a different club, Bayern stand to get a 50% cut of whatever fee Bologna get for the young attacker.
Zirkzee unlikely to fit Erik ten Hag’s system
As exciting a prospect as Zirkzee is, it is unlikely Erik ten Hag would like to put him alongside Rasmus Højlund in the starting line-up.
Zirkzee came through the ranks at Bayern before shining in Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Dutchman has consistently demonstrated his preference for a one-man-up-top setup alongside runners who provide constant, disciplined movement off the ball. It is unlikely he will let go of one spot on the pitch for someone like Zirkzee.
The Bologna ace’s price tag is also something United need to keep in mind. They have multiple positions to fill out this summer and are better off looking for better fits for their Dutch manager.
Anshuman Joshi
