"We have to be patient" - Erik ten Hag explains why new signing Joshua Zirkzee missed Manchester United vs Manchester City
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has opened up on not using Joshua Zirkzee off the bench during the Community Shield final against Manchester City on Saturday (August 10). The Dutchman did not play a single minute as the Cityzens won 7-6 on penalties after a late equalizer from Bernardo Silva canceled out Alejandro Garnacho's opener.
Speaking to MUTV after the game, ten Hag said (via UtdDistrict):
“There are many games to play. He needs time. Every player at a new club, not only at Manchester United or only when you come to the Premier League, everyone needs time. We have to be patient, and we have to bring him carefully [into the team], and then he will adjust. I am sure he will contribute a lot.”
The 23-year-old joined from Serie A side Bologna after Manchester United paid a reported £36.5 million transfer fee. He impressed for Thiago Motta's side, who surprised many in Italy last season by finishing fourth. Zirkzee bagged 12 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances.
On Saturday, Zirkzee was on the bench as ten Hag named a starting lineup without a conventional striker. Fans hoped he would come off the bench but remained an unused substitute. He has reportedly had just two training sessions with the team, which could be the reason behind his non-usage.
The Dutchman's next chance to make his official debut will be in the Premier League as the Red Devils open their season against Fulham next week (August 16). With Rasmus Hojlund sidelined for about a month, Zirkzee could see some game time early on in the campaign.
Manchester United complete deal for Bayern Munich duo: Reports
Manchester United are set to sign Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, the Red Devils are set to welcome the two defenders after their medicals.
They are expected to pay €45 million plus €5 million for the Dutchman while a fee of €15 million plus €5 million in add-ons is expected for the Moroccan. Mazraoui's deal is contingent on United moving off Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is close to joining West Ham United.
The pair will serve as valuable options for a Manchester United side that struggled defensively last season. Having let in 58 goals in the league last season, Erik ten Hag was keen on upgrading the backline and alongside Leny Yoro, the duo will hope to improve the side's performances in that part of the field.