How Would Joshua Zirkzee Fit In At Manchester United?

BOLOGNA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 23: Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna FC celebrates after winning during the Serie ... [+] A TIM match between Bologna FC and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on February 23, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images)

Manchester United has started planning for the 2024/25 season with the Old Trafford outfit linked with a number of potential transfer targets. Jarrad Branthwaite, to give one example, is believed to be on United’s radar, but its targeting on Joshua Zirkzee is arguably the most compelling story around the Premier League club at this moment in time.

Reports on Tuesday claimed Manchester United is interested in the Dutch forward who scored 11 times for Bologna in Serie A last season. Zirkzee apparently has a €40m release clause in his contract which United is considering activating to bolster their options in the attacking third for next season.

Zirkzee would give Manchester United something different. It already has Rasmus Hojlund as an option in the number nine position with the Danish striker a physical focal point. Zirkzee, on the other hand, is a dribbler and likes to carry the ball forward. His record of five assists last season also points at his creative side.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's ... [+] third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on May 15, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

"He said his idols are Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gabriel Batistuta, who are two excellent players, but, seeing him day to day, he reminds me of the Ronaldinho I played with at Barcelona,” said Bologna manager Thiago Motta when asked about Zirkzee. “But I cannot compare him to anyone. He is just Joshua, and he is special.”

It’s not clear how ten Hag would fit Zirkzee into his starting lineup considering the Dutch coach has favoured a 4-2-3-1 shape since taking over at Old Trafford two summers ago. If United already has Hojlund to play through the middle as a number nine, what position would Zirkzee occupy?

Does Manchester United’s desire to sign Zirkzee hint at a change of approach by ten Hag? Could United line up with Hojlund and Zirkzee as a front two? Or is it simply the case that ten Hag believes he needs two talented young strikers to rotate with each other over the course of the season?

BOLOGNA, ITALY - JANUARY 05: Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna FC runs with the ball during the Serie A TIM ... [+] match between Bologna FC and Genoa CFC at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on January 05, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

In past years, Manchester United has been guilty of spending big one stablished stars who are coming into the twilight of their careers - see Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro and Raphael Varane. Rumours linking the Old Trafford club with the likes of Branthwaite and Zirkzee suggests there will be a different approach in the transfer market now that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are in the door as minority owners.

Ten Hag was retained as manager following a difficult 2024/25 campaign which saw Manchester United finish eighth in the Premier League table. INEOS has placed its trust in the Dutch coach who is now tasked with ensuring his team fares better next season. The signing of Zirkzee might help in this regard.