Italy legend Gianfranco Zola claims he can see a new version of himself in reported Manchester United transfer target Dan Ndoye.
Manchester United are set to have a squad overhaul this summer with up to 10 departures expected, with several first-team members coming to the end of their contracts.
That list also includes players who are surplus to Ruben Amorim’s requirements. United’s head coach will be looking to strengthen his squad in the summer, though Ineos must find a way to sell players to achieve that.
It is understood that United’s recruitment will be driven by technical director Jason Wilcox, who played a handle in previous deals for Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu in January.
Wilcox will be assisted by Christopher Vivell when it comes to identifying new targets, along with the input of Amorim, who will be tasked with improving results on the pitch next season.
It would help if United can improve their squad with top signings.
Man Utd target compared to Gianfranco Zola
Former Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has likened Manchester United target Dan Ndoye to himself as a player.
Ndoye, who plays for Bologna, was one of the most impressive players from Euro 2024 following his performances for Switzerland.
Reports in Switzerland suggested that United expressed an interest in signing Ndoye last year, but a deal never materialised.
The 24-year-old has continued to impress in Serie A and he was one of the players mentioned by Zola when asked to name players he sees as closest to playing like him.
Zola was one of the best number 10s around during his playing days, making the majority of his appearances (312) for Chelsea. The Italian scored 80 goals during his time at Stamford Bridge and won the Serie A at Napoli in 1990.
Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb, Zola named some players who can be compared to him, and one of those is United target Ndoye.
“There are players who have my characteristics, but today’s football is very different from the one I played,” Zola said.
“Let’s give an example: Yildiz of Juventus is a footballer who has qualities similar to mine, but he is not the only one. On Monday I was in Bologna to attend the match between the Rossoblù and Napoli and I saw Ndoye play, a footballer who has excellent skills, comparable to those I had.
“But playing in a different position, he has to take advantage of his talent differently. I went to look for the ball a bit ‘everywhere and then position myself in the center, depending on the needs of the moment. Today, however, certain players are employed differently: there are no longer old fantasists, but external or false nine.”
Joshua Zirkzee can play role in Dan Ndoye transfer
Earlier this week, reports stated that United were a club to watch when it comes to Ndoye’s future.
It was claimed that Joshua Zirkzee could convince Ndoye to join him at Old Trafford, after the pair played together at Bologna.
Zirkzee has many years left on the pitch but he could eye up a future as an agent if he can bring some talented players to United.
The Belgian is a versatile attack who has played 23 games on the left wing this season, as well as 11 on the right flank, and one appearance as a second striker.
However, most of his goals (6) came from the right wing.
Amorim could do with an attacking player who can cause problems on either flank.
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