Erik ten Hag has been told how he can perfectly solve his striker conundrum at Manchester United heading into next season.
Rasmus Hojlund remains the only first-team option available to him at the club currently, with Anthony Martial having departed earlier this summer. Rumours have continued to linger around Netherlands international Joshua Zirkzee who MEN Sport believe is closing in on a move to Old Trafford.
The talented Dutchman netted 12 goals in all competitions last season and is being brought in to help lessen the burden on Hojlund, who was asked to contribute heavily during an injury-hit campaign for United last season.
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As interest ramped up in his star player earlier in the year, Bologna chief Marco Di Vaio carefully detailed just what Zirkzee can bring to the side in attack – and hinted he wouldn’t need to lead the line on his own.
“Joshua is a nine-and-a-half [a cross between a striker and a playmaker], yes, but he doesn’t resemble anyone,” Di Vaio recently told La Gazzetta dello Sport “He’s a unique player.”
That assessment will be music to the ears of Hojlund, with Ten Hag likely to see his new man as someone who can complement the Danish striker rather than replace him outright. Zirkzee has been known to play in deeper and wider positions on the pitch, which could come in handy should the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony continue to underperform next season.
Manchester United are also actively exploring a deal for Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthijs De Ligt this summer, with the Red Devils also having a bid accepted for Leny Yoro.