When Joshua Zirkzee will make his debut as Manchester United announce his signing

When Joshua Zirkzee will make his debut for Manchester United as the 23-year-old signs for Erik ten Hag on a five-year deal until 2029.

Manchester United have announced the signing of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £36 million on Sunday afternoon as they secure their first signing of the summer.

Zirkzee becomes United’s first signing under the new INEOS era at Old Trafford, joining long a five-year contract following his 2024 European Championships semi-final exit with the Netherlands.

Read More: Joshua Zirkzee shirt number request revealed as Manchester United secure signing

Zirkzee landed in Manchester on Thursday evening and underwent his medical examinations on Friday. Once completed, he signed his official documents, marking the club’s first acquisition since Sir Jim Ratcliffe secured a 27.7% ownership stake.

The striker has committed to a five-year deal and is set to earn around £96,000 a week. Zirkzee is expected to compete with Rasmus Højlund for the central forward role while also providing versatile support across the front line.

When is his debut?

Following the conclusion of the Serie A, Zirkzee jetted off on holiday, but following an injury to Frenkie de Jong, the 23-year-old was called up as a last-minute addition to Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad for the 2024 European Championship.

Although Zirkzee did not play many minutes, the Netherlands made it to the semi-finals of the competition before being knocked out against England. Following his signing, Zirkzee will head off on a three-week holiday.

Due to this, the striker will not take part in most of United’s pre-season tour, missing the first fixture against Rosenborg on Monday and the Rangers fixture the week after, and certainly the first two games in the USA against Arsenal and Real Betis.

However, he could potentially join the squad in South Carolina for the final segment of the tour, where they face off against Liverpool on Sunday, 4 August. If not, he will almost certainly be with the squad in time for the Community Shield fixture against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 10 August.

He will then likely make his competitive debut for the club a week later, on Friday, 16 August, at Old Trafford against Fulham in the Premier League.

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