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Erik ten Hag firmly believes that Joshua Zirkzee can start banging in the goals for Man United.
Manchester United Football Club added a new forward in the form of Joshua Zirkzee over the summer. The Dutchman, signed from Atalanta, made it clear he prefers to play behind the striker, rather than as an out-and-out forward.
After a goal on debut against Fulham, Zirkzee hasn’t scored since. However, the early signs from the attacker have been positive. His hold-up play has been nothing short of brilliant, while the fans have quickly taken to their new forward.
All that’s missing is the regular goals, though do not fear, Erik ten Hag believes the 23-year-old can become a prolific striker for his new club.
Check out what the gaffer had to say when quizzed about Zirkzee directly:
“Yes I do [think he can become a prolific goalscorer for United],” said Ten Hag when asked the question about Zirkzee, per ManUtd.com.
“Sure, he is young. We see his great abilities. He is a very good link-up player, as you say, he is creative.
“He is creating chances but be fair, also he has his moments towards the goal from the opposition. I think it was a great action he had [against FC Twente] and a great finish he had, top save from the keeper but in that area he can definitely improve.
“We know he has some very good attributes, and he has to improve, and he needs our support on how to improve.”
As the boss says, Zirkzee is still young and he needs time to settle into this new environment fully. Making the jump up from Serie A to the Premier League was never going to happen overnight. As we’ve already stated, the early signs have definitely been positive.
I guess the question now is how does he slot into the side now that Rasmus Hojlund is back fit? The pair seem to be in a direct fight for one spot in the team, as I’d be surprised if the manager can find space for both of them in the line-up on a regular basis…
For now, we fans have to stay behind Zirkzee, much like Hojlund’s start to life in England last summer, before the Dane started banging in the goals during the winter period. Let’s hope a similar scenario plays out here.
Have you been impressed by Joshua Zirkzee? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
