Manchester United’s newest signing Joshua Zirkzee has described himself as ‘creative, good with the ball and unpredictable’.
United completed the signing of Zirkzee from Bologna for €42.5million last Sunday and the forward signed a five-year contract, with includes the option of another year.
Bologna defied the odds to finish in the Italian top four last term. They enjoyed their best season since 1967/1968 and Zirkzee started 32 out of a possible 38 league games.
Zirkzee contributed 11 goals and five assists in those appearances and finished the campaign as Bologna’s top goalscorer, which caught United’s attention.
The 23-year-old will compete with Rasmus Hojlund to start for United in the new season, but as a versatile talent, it’s also thought he can play across the attacking front line.
Zirkzee sat down with club media as part of his unveiling and his interview, which covered his transfer to the club and what he will bring, was released on Wednesday afternoon.
“I have a lot of trust and a good feeling about this step,” Zirkzee told MUTV. “It wasn’t a difficult decision. I mean, I love Bologna a lot, but Manchester United just gave me a very, very good feeling.
“I’m confident that what’s planned will also happen. It’s been a rollercoaster the past, the past few weeks. But, Yeah, some very good experiences. And I’m very happy to be here.
“Obviously, at a good point [in his career]. I mean, making a transfer to Manchester United is obviously something very positive. So, yeah, I just, can’t wait to get started. And, and continue what I basically did last season. Just hoping to improve every day and, and do the best I can.”
Zirkzee was asked to describe his qualities and said: “Creative player, good with the ball. Yeah, I’m just, a bit unpredictable at times. So, yeah, I think those are the perfect words for me, yeah.”
When asked whether he likes to entertain supporters on the pitch, he added: “A little bit. It’s best to entertain with the whole team. Not necessarily as an individual, but, yeah, I think, you have to make the fans who come to the stadium happy as well about the game.
“I mean, as a young boy growing up, playing mostly with tougher, bigger guys who are older than you, makes you adapt. So, I think, I think it’s something that you learn at a young age in Holland. Especially where I’m from, this was the case.”
Erik ten Hag has signed multiple Dutch players since his appointment from Ajax and Zirkzee mentioned that connection. “It’s an extra privilege, of course because he’s Dutch,” he said.
“I’m Dutch as well. So, but I think, besides that, it’s obviously not the only reason why I came here. I mean, Manchester United is a great, huge club. So it’s is just an extra, privilege and benefit for me.”
Zirkzee will also work with the newly appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy. “Having some, some Dutch people around obviously makes it a bit easier,” he said. “To be fair, I’m an easy-going person. I’m not too difficult with, adapting, so, but, yeah, it’s always nice, to have them around.”
At the end of the interview, Zirkzee discussed his football heroes and recalled he would get in trouble with his mother as a child for spending too much time playing football.
“Ronaldinho was, for sure my hero. as I grew older, Ibrahimovic as well, was, someone I really looked up to, but I think Ronaldinho was, was my favourite,” said Zirkzee.
“I hope she [his mum] forgives me now for all the times I came home late. Or, if I broke something in the in the backyard or even, even just at home. So eventually, it all worked out pretty well.
“But, yeah, that was just life back, back when I was younger. Play football, forget about the time and getting, getting back home late. Yeah. it turned out pretty well.”
After representing the Netherlands at Euro 2024, Zirkzee will now be given some time off and is only expected to link up with his new teammates in early August.
He could make his debut against Fulham on the opening day of the Premier League season.
