Joshua Zirkzee tells Man United his best asset, Erik ten Hag’s feelings are clear

Joshua Zirkzee has told Manchester United and Erik ten Hag his best asset ahead of a potential move to Old Trafford.

Zirkzee, 23, has been heavily linked with a move to United in recent weeks, and reports have stated that the Premier League club are preparing to activate his £34 million release clause.

The young forward could help Ten Hag’s side, which currently has only Rasmus Højlund as a recognised striker following Anthony Martial’s exit.

After leaving Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022, Zirkzee has enjoyed a successful time at Bologna.

He broke into their team last term and helped lead them to a surprise Champions League spot, but he now looks likely to depart for Old Trafford.

Many fans are unaware of the type of player that Zirkzee is and what he can offer the team if a deal materialises.

The 23-year-old claimed during an interview with Corriere della Sera that his technique is his best asset, revealing admiration for players like Alessandro del Piero and Roberto Baggio.

“Without a doubt, the gift is the technique: it is the way of showing everyone my essence. You say I’m spectacular? Well, I’m Dutch: this is the most correct definition,” stated Zirkzee.

He has drawn comparisons to Anthony Martial with his playstyle, and that is something that Ten Hag could be very interested in as an alternative option to Højlund.

That is because the Dutch manager highly rated what the Frenchman could bring to the table when fit, but the concerns over his fitness led to his eventual departure.

 “You say I defended him, yeah. But I just point to the stats,” explained Ten Hag when asked about Martial towards the end of the 2022/23 season.

“The stats are telling you the moment he is on the pitch, the time he needs for a goal is less. When he’s in the team, I refer to games against Man City and against Liverpool, we play our best football and we have our best results as a team.

“I defend him because I point to the stats, and I see how he contributes to this team.”

It seems clear that the United boss appreciates how this type of player can benefit his team, and signing him could be a great option for the club.