Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag brought happiness to Manchester United fans when his side defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup Final.
Erik ten Hag’s side came out on top against City with a system the Dutchman switched to for the final three league games of the season, after defeat to Crystal Palace.
After watching the way United’s players switched into a new formation with Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay both operating as ‘false nines’, you were left wondering why Ten Hag didn’t do it earlier?
Nonetheless, the element of surprise likely helped against City too, with limited game-tape on film for Pep Guardiola’s side to meticulously study.
A pertinent question arising, is whether Ten Hag will stick with the new system, or revert to his previous plans.
Manchester United want Joshua Zirkzee, and he’s a fit
Manchester United’s tactics next season will be guided by the club’s transfer activity this summer.
Will the club sign a traditional number nine, to fill the squad number vacated by Anthony Martial?
One alternative style of striker being considered, quite specifically, is Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.
The Telegraph report Manchester United have ‘strong interest’ in Zirkzee, who has a £33.8 million release clause which becomes active on July 1.
Zirkzee spent this past season playing in a ‘false nine’ role for Thiago Motta’s very fluid Bologna side.
United are said to find Zirkzee’s ‘profile’ intriguing, he could fit ideally into an adapted way of playing for Ten Hag, and could also play alongside Rasmus Hojlund, rather than ‘either or’.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Zirkzee could help Rashford
One of the challenges for Manchester United in 2024/25 is to get more out of Marcus Rashford, who struggled last season.
When did Rashford play his best football for United? Funnily enough his best spell came when Wout Weghorst was in the team, with the Dutch loanee dropping deeper into a withdrawn role.
This created gaps up top for Rashford to drift into and exploit, and a move for Zirkzee could work to the England forward.
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