“I am what I call a false striker” - Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee explains why he’s ‘different’ to other forwards
New Manchester United signing Joshua Zirkzee has explained what makes him different from other forwards in modern football. The 23-year-old Dutchman recently joined the English giants from Bologna for a €42.5 million fee and is expected to help bolster their attack in the coming season.
Zirkzee made 58 appearances for the Serie A side that saw him score 14 goals and provide nine assists following his €27.5 million move from Bayern Munich in 2022.
Speaking about how he could help the 20-time English Champions with his abilities, the Dutchman told the Mirror:
“I am what I call a false striker. Not a No 9, not a No 10. I am a 9.5! That's my game. Maybe I'm a little different than others. But being different is good, right? I want to play a pure game. Nutmegs, chops and back heels are moments that belong in football. That style has value for me. It's the soccer kid in me because it's supposed to be fun too, isn't it?"
"You have to pick the right moments. It's intuition. I think I have excellent skills. I spent a lot of time on that as a kid. But if I lose the ball, I want to regain it immediately with the team. But the fancy footwork is part of my game at the end of the day."
Manchester United will hope their new signing will deputize for Rasmus Hojlund throughout the upcoming season, providing cover and competition in the attack. He is absent from the team's preseason tour following his involvement at Euro 2024 but will be available for the Community Shield against Manchester City on Saturday.
Reintigrated Manchester United forward pleased to be back in the team
Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho has said he is glad to be back with the team following his reintegration. The Englishman was exiled from the team following his spat with manager Erik ten Hag last season which saw him sent out on loan to Borussia Dortmund.
The Red Devils initially considered moving the former Dortmund star this summer, but he and the manager have made amends. Speaking about his return to the first team, Sancho said (via Fotmob):
"Definitely, 100 per cent. 100 percent, yes. It's been nice, enjoying the weather, back with the lads, it's been good. I love the facilities in America."
"Obviously when I have time off, I usually come to America. This is actually one of the places I do train before pre-season so it's nice to be back. I wouldn't say it's home but yes, it's a nice facility."
Sancho will be keen to return to his best for Manchester United in the coming season and establish himself as a key part of the team at Old Trafford.