Finally, Manchester United have signed Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee. He can be the final piece of their puzzle.
Zirkzee in the United squad
This Manchester United team is a mixture of young and experienced players. Erik Ten Hag’s attacking options include players like Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Jadon Sancho, and Bruno Fernandes.
Now they have secured the signing of former Bayern Munich striker Joshua Zirkzee. So, they can employ a couple of attacking combinations.
First of all, United Zirkzee should replace Rasmus Hojlund in the number nine position. Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho will accompany him on the left and right wings.
The Red Devils have a gem in their hands, and it is Jadon Sancho. In the 2023–2024 season, he showed his level to the entire world.
Jadon Sancho helped Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League final. Unfortunately, it was his loan spell at the German club.
Another strategy that can work for Manchester United is to include Sancho on the right wing and Garnacho on the left wing. Zirkzee will pull the strings from the middle.
We all know that Rashford has been a standout player for United, but last season he had an overall bad performance for the Red Devils.
So, we can replace Rashford with Sancho in the current United squad. On top of that, Sancho loves to link up with other players. For example, we have seen some world-class goals from Erling Haland, which were assisted by Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund. In this link-up play, Zirkzee can thrive at Old Trafford.
Two man attacking front
Erik Ten Hag can change the formation from 4-2-3-1 to 4-2-2-2. This new system will give them the benefits of two strikers. There are several advantages of having two strikers on the pitch.
If a team depend on pressing opponent players, two strikers can certainly help with their energetic goal poaching ability. We have seen how Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool press their opponents and it causes them to release the ball. Once the ball is released, teams can build counter attack.
Zirkzee’s player profile
Joshua Zirkzee is a self-less striker. Rather than shooting he prefers passing to his teammates. According to 90min Zirkzee can flourish in those games where it is expected that United will have a better ball possession than the opponent.
It would be wise if Erik Ten Hag utilizes both the strikers at the same time. We all know that Rasmus Hojlund is a type of player who brings in pace, finishing, forward runs and the ability to break defensive lines. If Zirkzee plays with him, he can drag multiple players with him. So, Hojund will get acres of free space. He can certainly utilize this space to create goalscoring chances.
