There are numerous areas where Manchester United require investment this summer but most would agree that adding more firepower at the top of the pitch would go a long way.
Last season, new signing Rasmus Hojlund was left carrying the brunt of United's goalscoring needs. The 21-year-old Dane initially struggled in the Premier League but would ultimately finish his debut season with a solid 16 goals in an underperforming side.
However, the striking options behind the young Hojlund are strikingly sparse.
Anthony Martial departs the club after nine seasons this summer, though the Frenchman's availability last season was once again sparing due to injury, and he was largely ineffective when he did play. His absence will hardly be felt next season.
Bar Hojlund and the possibility of playing Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, or Bruno Fernandes out of position, manager Erik ten Hag has little choice up front, meaning investment in a striker is likely this summer.
Reports from the UK now suggest that Dutch youngster Joshua Zirkzee could be a standout option for ten Hag.
Joshua Zirkzee
- 23 years old
- Began career at Bayern Munich before loan moves to Parma and Anderlecht
- Joined Bologna permanent deal summer 2022
- In the Dutch squad at EURO 2024 despite not having a single cap - added after injuries to De Jong and Koopmeiners
- 11 goals and 5 assists for Bologna last year, club qualified for Champions League
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Manchester United reportedly pushing to sign Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna in action against Roma in April 2024 (Photo: Shutterstock)
Both the Daily Mail and David Ornstein of the Athletic reported this week that Joshua Zirkzee is solidly on the radar for Manchester United this summer after impressive performances in Serie A this season.
Zirkzee joined Bologna in the summer of 2022 after starting his career at Bayern Munich and spending spells on loan at both Parma and Anderlecht.
The Dutchman would hit his stride last season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists as Thiago Motta's side secured qualification for the European Cup for the very first time in 60 years.
Bologna's outstanding performance has earned Motta the manager's job at Juventus, and it seems as though it could also see Zirkzee on the move.
Ornstein's report in the Athletic suggests that United are yet to formally approach Bologna, but that they have spoken to Zirkzee's representatives on the possibility of a move. The 23-year-old has a €40 million buy-out clause in his contract with the Italian club.
Zirkzee was a late call-up to the Netherlands squad for EURO 2024 last week, after injuries to Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners ruled them out of the tournament - though he is yet to earn a cap at senior level for his country.
