Erik ten Hag is a quite obvious attraction for the players he has worked with before. Manchester United have seen that already, and it has not been to everybody’s tastes.
This summer Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui added their names to the ex-Ajax contingent linking up with Erik ten Hag once again.
But there were also three players who signed for United who Ten Hag had never worked with before, and one of them says the manager was a key attraction.
Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has opened up on his summer talks with Manchester United, and how he did not need to think twice about joining the club.
Joshua Zirkzee on Man Utd talks
Manchester United saw off competition from AC Milan to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
Despite Bologna qualifying for the Champions League, Zirkzee jumped at the opportunity to switch to United.
Speaking to Dutch outlet NOS, Zirkzee says he held talks with United during the European Championships.
Zirkzee explains: “If I’m honest, I was convinced right after the talks. The process started in Germany. It was an easy choice in the end. Why? It’s Manchester United after all.
“If a club is so convincing and wants you, it’s not difficult.
“I’ve also had good conversations with Erik. He really wanted me there and I really want to play for him. That’s a good combination.”
Zirkzee feels he earned United move
Zirkzee adds that he feels like his form at Bologna really earned his big move to Old Trafford, with the facts speaking for themselves.
He said: “A transfer to Manchester United is always a reward, it doesn’t just happen.”
Zirkzee has scored one goal in his opening three matches for Manchester United, which include just one start.
This week former star Owen Hargreaves expressed concerns Zirkzee will not score enough goals, but United signed Zirkzee for more than this.
The new signing will hopefully bring more out of his teammates in attack, and has not had a chance to link up with Rasmus Hojlund just yet.
Erik ten Hag has a plan for him, and by the end of the season we hope Zirkzee is right that he will have earned Zlatan Ibrahimovic comparisons.
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