Manchester United’s first signing of the summer, Joshua Zirkzee, is set to miss the Red Devils’ pre-season matches against Liverpool and Real Betis in the US.
Manchester United‘s first signing ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season, Joshua Zirkzee, is set to miss the Red Devils’ pre-season matches against Liverpool and Real Betis in the US.
The Netherlands international finalised his transfer from Bologna to Old Trafford earlier this month, securing a contract that extends until June 2029.
United forked over a reported £42.5m to secure the signature of the 23-year-old, who helped the Serie A side secure a Champions League spot in the upcoming season.
In 34 league matches for I Rossoblu last term, Zirkzee notched up 11 goals and four assists, earning himself a call-up to the Dutch national team for the European Championship in Germany.
After being unveiled by the club just days after the Netherlands’ exit from Euro 2024, the striker was sent on his summer holidays.
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Zirkzee to miss United’s pre-season tour of the US
Zirkzee was not included in Erik ten Hag‘s 29-man squad for the US tour due to his participation in Euro 2024, where the Netherlands reached the semi-finals before a 2-1 defeat to England.
However, after completing his summer break, the Dutchman arrived at the Carrington training ground on Monday morning July 29, ready to begin his pre-season program.
United have now confirmed that he will remain in Manchester and will not join Ten Hag’s squad in the United States for the upcoming friendlies against Liverpool and Real Betis.
Instead, Zirkzee might make his debut for his new employers at Wembley Stadium next month, when the Red Devils face cross-town rivals Manchester City in the FA Community Shield.
He could then experience his first Premier League action at Old Trafford during the season’s opening weekend when United take on Marco Silva‘s Fulham.
Additionally, United will now be doubly determined to have their new man ready to go at the offset of the new season after Rasmus Hojlund picked up a hamstring injury over the weekend against Arsenal.
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Ten Hag explains United’s reason for signing Zirkzee
Earlier this month, Ten Hag explained to reporters in an interview why the club were eager to secure Zirkzee’s signature despite having signed Hojlund for £72m the previous summer.
“He is a player who can link up the game, who can be available, hold up the ball, have good ideas, be creative, can dribble, [make] combinations,” the United boss explained.
“So that’s a different type and always what we are looking for, so it gives us more options tactically, which is good because, especially up front, we have many players who can play very direct and they can take a big benefit from his skills.”
Zirkzee is expected to undergo a thorough fitness assessment at Carrington following his brief break.
United will next be in action in the early hours of Thursday morning when they face Real Betis in San Diego for the second game of their pre-season tour in the US.