Joshua Zirkzee has already hinted at what shirt number he will wear at Man United

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Joshua Zirkzee has reported to Carrington to begin his pre-season training as a Manchester United player.

The 23-year-old was United’s first signing of the summer after a £36.5million fee was agreed with Bologna.

After enjoying an extended summer break – where he was spotted on holiday with Jamal Musiala – Joshua Zirkzee was pictured arriving at Carrington on Monday to begin his pre-season tests.

He will be expected to join up with the rest of Erik ten Hag’s squad in the United States shortly, and his arrival is well-timed with Rasmus Hojlund now sidelined with an injury.

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United are next in action on Thursday against Real Betis before their 2024 pre-season schedule continues with a clash against arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday morning.

Joshua Zirkzee’s shirt number at Manchester United

Leny Yoro has wasted no time in picking up his shirt number at United with the French centre-back following in the footsteps of Nemanja Vidic by inheriting the No.15.

Hojlund has also made the switch from No.11 to No.9, indicating he will be Ten Hag’s first-choice striker to lead the line next season.

All eyes are now on Zirkzee and which number he will take – but the Dutch striker has already hinted at his choice.

Following the announcement of his Manchester United move, Zirkzee spoke to Dutch YouTube show Matchday where he discussed his shirt number.

“That depends a bit on Rasmus Hojlund. He’s already there and he’s also a striker,” Zirkzee said.

“No.9 is free, but he has 11, so I can imagine that he wants No.9 now. In that case I’ll take 11. At Bologna I also had 11, so that doesn’t really matter to me.”

Joshua Zirkzee at Manchester United next season

Zirkzee seems set to take Hojlund’s number 11, but he could face competition from the likes of Amad Diallo who looks likely to be handed more responsibility next season.

READ MORE: Toby Collyer was once hailed ‘the best in the country’, he now has a chance to prove it at Man Utd

It is not yet clear whether Zirkzee will be considered a regular starter under Ten Hag but with Hojlund now nursing an injury he can use this summer’s tour as an opportunity to force his way into the side.

United fans will hope to see Zirkzee in action sooner rather than later with the Community Shield clash against Manchester City quickly approaching.