At last, the information that everyone was waiting for has surfaced: At Manchester United, Joshua Zirkzee is expected to be the first player signed using the INEOS system. The Red Devils will cover the 42.5 million euro transfer fee over the following three years as part of the five-year contract that the Dutch forward has agreed to.
Many are curious to see how the 23-year-old will fit in at the Theatre of Dreams after witnessing him play primarily as a rotational option at Euro 2024 and as a standout for Bologna. Though occasionally the two might work together, it has primarily been believed that he will interchange with Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund. In light of it, the following three lineup options represent how Erik ten Hag might set up his team for the upcoming season.
The lone striker, Zirkzee
Rasmus Hojlund’s acquisition by United last season was a clear indication that both the team and their manager were focused on the future. After Cristiano Ronaldo left the team and Wout Weghorst’s loan agreement expired, the Red Devils were left without a recognized number nine in their lineup, thus they decided to go with an untested rookie.
After a strong debut season in England, Hojlund will undoubtedly benefit from Zirkzee’s reduction in goal-scoring pressure in his second Premier League season.
Hojlund will probably be Ten Hag’s first-choice striker when the season begins. But if he has trouble in the early going of the season, Zirkzee might get a chance to step up and take that job. Although Marcus Rashford was one of the most disappointing players last season, the Dutchman’s selfless approach may bring out the best in the less prolific striker.
Zirkzee Next to Hojlund
Playing Zirkzee and Hojlund together might potentially be a possibility because they are very distinct kinds of attackers. The former Bayern Munich player is much more of a “second striker,” one who will create space by dropping deeper than his future teammate who prefers to hang on the back end. This combo bears a striking resemblance to that of one of the finest pairings in Premier League history: Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole.
One star from United’s assault would have to sit out if the two were played together. Bruno Fernandes might play in a hybrid number 10/inside forward position on the right side in a 4-2-2-2 configuration, with Alejandro Garnacho, Rashford, or Mason Mount lining up on the opposite side.
That would then mean having a solid, disciplined, and mobile midfield base. Manuel Ugarte of PSG is also being heavily linked to a move, making the Uruguayan the ideal player to line up beside teenage phenom Kobbie Mainoo. Two front-foot defenders would also be required due to the press’s aggressive style. Half of the issue is resolved by Lisandro Martinez in the midst, with the Argentine’s supposed arrival, Matthijs de Ligt, being viewed as the ideal match.
Zirkzee as the ten
If Ten Hag sticks with the 4-2-3-1 formation he has tended to favor over his two years in charge, there is a case to be made for him playing slightly deeper as the number 10 rather than alongside his future attack partner.
Although during the 2023–24 season the formation did frequently leave the midfield vulnerable, this problem might be mitigated with a more nimble and diligent assault. Zirkzee’s aggressive midfield role would compel Bruno Fernandes to move from his preferred position. To preserve their width with players like Rashford, Garnacho, and Amad Diallo, the Red Devils can also use the United captain to switch with his newest comrade in a flexible front four.
The Ivorian appears to be here to stay as a new deal is supposedly in the works. Zirkzee’s entrance, though, might cause some doubt for players like Antony because it seems hard to justify their participation in any of these setups. In any case, Ten Hag and his coaching staff now have the kind of selection headache that any manager would want.