Jamal Musiala says 23-year-old Manchester United star has been asking him to make Old Trafford switch
Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala has revealed that Manchester United ace Joshua Zirkzee has tried to persuade him to move to Old Trafford. The Dutch striker signed with the Premier League giants this summer after a fruitful spell in Italy with Bologna.
Manchester United spent around £206 million net (via Sky Sports) in the summer as they look to return to previously-attained heights in English football. The club has undergone a significant amount of change personnel-wise on and off the pitch, and further improvements are being targeted.
Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee swapped Bologna for Manchester after the Red Devils chose him as their target for the striker position. The 23-year-old scored the winner on his debut for the side against Fulham but has also been doing some work off the pitch, it appears.
Germany international Jamal Musiala revealed in an interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag that Zirkzee had reached out to him in the summer. He said that the forward, with whom he played at Bayern Munich, had called on him to make the switch to Old Trafford, although jokingly.
He said via Sport Witness:
“You always joke around with friends and dream of playing together in a team one day. The jokes go both ways: I also told Josh that he should come back to Bayern. But you shouldn’t take that too seriously.”
Musiala is one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in world football and placed second, only behind Jude Bellingham, for the 2023 Golden Boy award. The youngster is known to the Manchester United staff, having provided an assist in his side's 4-3 win in the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League group stage.
Jamal Musiala's future has been discussed this summer, seeing as his contract with the German giants will expire in 2026. The midfielder, once on the books of Chelsea, has been on the radar of Manchester City.
Manchester United signing stars for Uruguay in qualifier
Manchester United summer addition Manuel Ugarte has made his first appearance of the 2024-25 season for his country. The 23-year-old midfielder featured for Uruguay as they locked horns with Paraguay in their CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag spoke of Ugarte needing time to regain fitness before his debut for the club last week. The midfielder rubbished those claims as he played 79 minutes in the goalless draw against Paraguay.
Ugarte's performance against Paraguay will be a source of encouragement for Manchester United manager Ten Hag, as he will provide another midfield option. With the recent downturn in form from Casemiro, Ugarte will be a quality option for the Red Devils in midfield. They will next face Southampton away on September 14.