What Joshua Zirkzee will be thinking about Man Utd after three games, Dutch pundit takes swipe at Ten Hag

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Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee is still getting up to speed at Manchester United.

Missing the entirety of pre-season was not the ideal preparation for Joshua Zirkzee at Manchester United.

But then the Dutch forward came off the bench to score on his debut against Fulham, and it looked like he may have instantly acclimatised.

A tougher showing in a far more frenetic derby game against Liverpool showed up some of Zirkzee’s shortcomings, a lack of sharpness against a mean defence.

• READ: Who is Joshua Zirkzee? Meet the 6’4″ Man Utd signing who reminds Thiago Motta of Ronaldinho

Joshua Zirkzee left Bologna for Manchester United

Joshua Zirkzee left Bologna to join Manchester United this summer, departing a club which achieved a surprise fifth placed finish in Serie A last season.

Bologna had already lost highly-rated manager Thiago Motta to Juventus, making his decision to secure a dream move to Manchester United easier.

United only finished eighth in the Premier League last season, and one Dutch pundit believes the Liverpool defeat will be a major wake-up call for him.

Ex World Cup star Willem van Hanegem told the Algemeen Dagblad that he was unimpressed with Manchester United’s performance against Liverpool, and believes Zirkzee will now really appreciate the scale of the challenge before him.

Van Hanegem said: “I know for sure that Joshua Zirkzee will think that his previous club Bologna played better football. It can’t be otherwise.”

Bologna ended last season in Serie A with a +22 goal difference – while Manchester United finished on -1.

• READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

Erik ten Hag gets backing

Erik ten Hag is under a little pressure already after losing two of his opening three games. United have only managed to score two goals in 270 minutes of football.

Chief executive Omar Berrada has given Ten Hag his backing, although these comments were made prior to the club’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.

United’s objective is to achieve a top four finish last season, and there is clearly work to do.

Ineos oversaw a largely positive summer – but Van Hanegem questioned two departures.

He blasted: “There is really no idea in Manchester United. Last season I thought that Scott McTominay was one of the few bright spots, but they just sold him. Just like Jadon Sancho, just a great player.”