How does the signing of the exciting attacking prospect Joshua Zirkzee affect Rasmus Hojlund?
Some Manchester United fans might wonder how Joshua Zirkzee’s arrival at Old Trafford may impact Rasmus Hojlund. We are here to break down how it is good news for the Dane.
Rasmus Hojlund may be better than you think
Rasmus Hojlund had an inconsistent yet still fruitful first season at Manchester United. He scored just 10 Premier League goals from 30 matches played – increasing his tally to 16 in cup competitions, finishing as Manchester United’s top scorer.
Data shows the young striker had a good starting season in the Premier League as he overperformed his 7.6xG, showing quality in front of goal.
His Shots On Target percentage was in the top 10 per cent of forwards in Europe’s Top five Leagues, plus his Goals per Shot was one of the best in Europe being in the top 9 per cent.
So he was an elite finisher. The issue was the lack of service he had from his teammates.
Hojlund was a lot better than most realise, it was the team letting him down.
Manchester United under construction
The movements around the club should give Manchester United fans belief that things will improve for Hojlund and that next season he could have a fantastic output.
The return of Mason Mount, and others, into the squad will add much needed creativity in the team. Furthermore, essential transfers seem to be incoming which will help buffer the squad and improve the profile of players.
The hope is that Manchester United will also purchase players with good hardiness and limited time out with issues so that injury problems do not carry over into the new campaign.
Currently, it can be said that the team is in a transitional, constructive phase and the right players need to be brought in around Hojlund so that he can perform at his best. Last season he did all he could with what service he had.
Zirkzee and Hojlund are two different forwards
The addition of Joshua Zirkzee adds to Hojlund’s threat, not takes it away. First of all it adds much needed depth to the team so that Rasmus Hojlund can have rest.
Throughout much of last season, Manchester United’s injury issues meant that often the squad was too reliant on one player to play through issues and then this individual would get injured due to overexposure.
By having Joshua Zirkzee in the team it means that minutes can be shared between these two, high quality forwards.
However, the move also adds strength to the team and can benefit each player in game too. Hojlund and Zirkzee have two very different profiles as forwards.
Hojlund is an out and out goalscorer who is not known for his link-up play, whereas Zirkzee is a creator and linker.
Historically Erik ten Hag has always played with one striker leading the forward line. Zirkzee’s arrival allows him to mix it up. Next season can perplex opponents tactically with diversity in the style of play.
Late on in a game, if a team has played a low block that Hojlund cannot breakthrough then Zirkzee could be introduced to then be a creative threat and add a different way to cause opponents issues.
Overall this means that Hojlund will still be utilised and valuable to the team, but Zirkzee can offer competition, a tactical change up and much-needed rest which will benefit both of them and the Manchester United team as a whole.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
