Joshua Zirkzee will bring more than just goals to Manchester United if the words of his former boss are anything to go by. The Dutch striker has sealed a £36.5million move to Old Trafford having impressed in Serie A with Bologna last season.
He wasn’t the only one to leave the Italian club, with manager Thiago Motta also departing to take over at Juventus.
Zirkzee, 23, had thrived under the 41-year-old during their two-season stint together, scoring 14 times in the 2023/24 campaign and earning himself a place in the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024 after injury to Teun Koopmeiners.
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And Motta himself has previously heaped praise on the star, mentioning him in the same breath as one of the all-time greats. “He said his idols are Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gabriel Batistuta, who are two excellent players,” Motta told Sky Sport Italia in February.
“But, seeing him day-to-day, he reminds me of the Ronaldinho I played with at Barcelona, But I cannot compare him to anyone. He is just Joshua, and he is special.”
The prospect of having Ronaldinho-like-creativity at his disposal is likely to excite manager Erik ten Hag. Even if the likelihood of him matching the career of the Brazilian icon seems some way off.
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Ronaldinho won the 2005 Ballon d’Or during an esteemed career that also saw him lift the 2002 World Cup with his country and the 2005/06 Champions League crown with Barcelona. And his ability with the ball at his feet made him one of the most marketable stars in the game during his peak years.
New Red Devil Zirkzee has been renowned for his ability to bring others into play in addition to scoring goals, which could well help Marcus Rashford rediscover his best form. The former England striker cut a despondent figure for much of last season, with his effort and application questioned by critics.
He also appeared unhappy at being starved of service during matches, scoring just eight club goals in all competitions. That followed him striking 30 times in the previous campaign, form that earned him a bumper new contract with United until 2028, for reported wages of £325,000-per-week.
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But Rashford has since paid the price for a downturn in performances, losing his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad. Having previously been a mainstay under the manger, he was forced to watch Euro 2024 at home this summer.
How Ten Hag chooses to deploy his customary front three next season remains to be seen. Rasmus Hojlund is likely to play a central role, with the likes of Zirkzee and Rashford expected to be given licence to cut in from out wide.
