Manchester United complete Italianization of their attack with Zirkzee

One year after the purchase of Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta, Manchester United are on the verge of signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, completing the Italianization of their attack, writes Wayne Girard.

Serie A, now more than ever, proves to be a hotbed of fine opportunities and raw talent. While it does seem that every summer one big player is sold off, these players carry the ethos of Italian football with them, and often go on to shock international fans who have seemingly never heard of them.

Although the Italian game has evolved, the league still proves to be at the forefront of technicality and tactical innovation. Players who move abroad are often able to outthink and adapt quickly to their new surroundings. Now, Manchester United plan to complete the ‘Italianization’ of their attack.

One man behind Italy’s accumulation of talent over the last several generations has been Bologna’s sporting director, Giovanni Sartori. Two seasons ago, he saw an opportunity with a teenage Dutch attacker by the name of Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman had been Anderlecht’s top scorer with 16 goals while out on loan in the previous campaign. He had a strong build and was a talented dribbler, yet not considered vital to Bayern Munich’s system. He was then purchased from the German giants for just over €8.5m million, as well as 40% on any future sale.

Since then, his talent – and value – has risen astronomically, becoming arguably the best all-around forward in Serie A. What makes him so distinctive is his ability to run at defenders while dropping deep and keeping his back towards goal when receiving the ball. Keen to put his head up and look for options, Joshua also has ball skill ability that is uncharacteristic for his height, as he maintains a lower centre of gravity and is able to dance around opponents in any phase of the attack.

It’s a similar serenade for Rasmus Højlund, who, after bursting on the scene with big goals domestically and in Europe for Atalanta, was purchased by Manchester United for a whopping €75m fee plus €10m in performance-related add-ons. The Red Devils got their money’s worth as the then-20-year-old became the youngest player ever to score in six consecutive Premier League matches. 

Højlund showed great maturity and a professional attitude to shake off the negative voices around United’s camp as they endured dark moments in their season. The Danish international kept on increasing his abilities as a poacher, attacking the ball in the six-yard box and getting under it when given unkind passes—a rare skill for any player.

However, one area where Rasmus has struggled is hold-up play when being pressed from the back and tightly marked. This is where Joshua enters the fray. 

Milan confirm Man Utd target Zirkzee ‘is the past’ but will sign new striker ‘soon’

If Manchester United do indeed sign Bologna’s prodigy-turned-elite baller, they will be adding the perfect forward to complement Højlund. A ‘coppia’ nurtured through Italian football, Zirkzee will check for the ball, drift in between the lines, and play as the shadow off the Dane’s shoulder. Much of Zirkzee’s game looks to combine with wingers who have taken space through overlapping runs, but in this case, he will be able to roam more rather than having to act as both a floating no.9 and a focal point in the box.

The Bologna striker was a leader in lay-offs last season, and even if his play does not find the striker directly, his buildup through the flanks and with advancing midfielders will be a byproduct of Højlund scoring more goals. When United are able to possess the ball in the attacking third as Erik ten Hag hopes for, Zirkzee’s ability to work out of tight spaces will make the final pass and smart little flick to unleash his striker.

Bringing these two attackers together would establish a new generation of young, elite players for Manchester United—undoubtedly one with strong Italian roots.