Manchester United have a new forward hoping to make an instant first impression for the club.
It is almost exactly one month since Joshua Zirkzee clinched his transfer from Bologna to Manchester United.
Due to his involvement for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, Joshua Zirkzee missed Manchester United’s pre-season tour.
Zirkzee began work at Carrington last week, and now, with the squad back from the USA, Zirkzee has been training with his new Manchester United teammates.
United coaches paying Zirkzee attention
Joshua Zirkzee has an important role for Manchester United this coming season, where he is expected to provide a new dimension to the team’s attack.
Manager Erik ten Hag was seen in close discussions with Zirkzee at Carrington, with the team ramping up preparations for the Community Shield.
New coach Ruud van Nistelrooy was also spotted closely observing Zirkzee’s work with the ball, during the session.
Van Nistelrooy was one of Manchester United’s most prolific strikers during his playing days, and his advice for the players will be valuable.
Fellow Dutchman Zirkzee will certainly benefit from working with him.
Zirkzee will be involved against City
Joshua Zirkzee will have some involvement against City at Wembley, the question is whether he starts or not.
We would expect Zirkzee to be on the bench, even though Rasmus Hojlund is out with injury.
Zirkzee has not yet kicked a ball in pre-season, so United need to ease him in. Had Hojlund been fit, he would have started on the bench for this one, so there is no reason to panic and change his fitness management.
It is more likely that Jadon Sancho starts the game up front, giving him a chance, and easing Zirkzee in from the bench. Zirkzee has a chance then to start in the Premier League the follow week.
If, however, United are blown away by Zirkzee’s fitness and sharpness in training, then he has a chance to go straight into the side this weekend.
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