Loving life 😄Man United just discovered David De Gea’s successor, who is even better than Onana

Man United signed Joshua Zirkzee to miss Liverpool, Real Betis pre-season games

Earlier this month, the Netherlands international confirmed his move from Bologna to Old Trafford, landing a contract good until June 2029.

United handed over a reported £42.5m to get the signature of the 23-year-old, who assisted the Serie A team in guaranteeing a Champions League slot for next season.

With 11 goals and four assists in 34 league games for I Rossoblu previous term, Zirkzee attracted a call-up to the Dutch national squad for the European Championship in Germany.

Released by the team just days following the Netherlands’ departure from Euro 2024, the striker was sent on summer vacations.Due to his involvement in Euro 2024, which the Netherlands reached the semi-finals before a 2-1 loss to England, Zirkzee was not named in Erik ten Hag’s 29-man squad for the US tour.

But after finishing his summer vacation, the Dutchman showed up Monday morning July 29 at the Carrington training field prepared to start his pre-season programme.

United have officially announced that he will stay in Manchester and will not join Ten Hag’s team in the United States for the forthcoming friendlies against Liverpool and Real Betis.

Rather, Zirkzee might make his debut for his new companies at Wembley Stadium next month, during the FA Community Shield when the Red Devils play cross-town rivals Manchester City.

Then, on the opening weekend of the season when United is facing Marco Silva’s Fulham, he might get his first Premier League play at Old Trafford.

After Rasmus Hojlund suffered a hamstring injury over the weekend against Arsenal, United will now be doubly inclined to have their new man ready at the outset of the new season.

Ten Hag clarifies why United signed Zirkzee.Ten Hag clarified to reporters in an interview earlier this month why the club was keen to land Zirkzee’s signing even though Hojlund had signed for £72m the previous summer.

“He is a player who can link up the game, who can be available, hold down the ball, have good ideas, be creative, can dribble, [make] combinations,” the United boss said.

“So that’s a different type and always what we are looking for, thus it gives us more options tactically, which is good since, especially up front, we have many players who can play very direct and they can benefit much from his skills.”

Following his short hiatus, Zirkzee is scheduled to get a comprehensive fitness testing at Carrington.

Early on Thursday morning, United will then be in action facing Real Betis in San Diego for the second game of their pre-season trip in the US.