Joshua Zirkzee names ex-Manchester United star he wants to emulate at Old Trafford

Joshua Zirkzee names ex-Manchester United star he wants to emulate at Old Trafford

Joshua Zirkzee is honest enough to concede that the recent 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, in which he missed United’s two best chances, was “shameful” as he opened up on his tough start to life at Manchester United and the player he hopes to emulate

Zirkzee is honest enough to concede that the recent 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, in which he missed United’s two best chances, was “shameful.”

But after scoring on his full international debut for Holland against Bosnia last week, the 23-year-old name-checked Swedish legend Ibra as the player he wants to emulate.

Zirkzee said: “I would love it if, in a few years’ time, people said that my game looks a bit like Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The start, with the winning goal against Fulham, was nice. Then we lost twice – and you know that at a big club like Manchester United the attention then comes full on.

“I believe it will be fine. I’ve always had that. I never doubted it would still work out with my career. As a player, you gradually discover what you need to do to get to the top level and what you must cut out.

“The defeat against Liverpool was shameful. But when I see the team training, I do think we are on the right track. I missed chances against Liverpool. Did I get into the right position? Yes, but what is the point when the ball does not end up in the net?

“I had really good talks with Erik ten Hag. It’s unfortunate that the start was disappointing, but we know what we need to work on. Yes, it is about adjusting. Whether it is also tougher than Serie A? Yes, it could be. At Bologna, we had ball possession very often. In England, I feel the game undulates much more. It’s up and down and indeed different.”

Zirkzee came through the ranks at ADO Den Haag and Feyenoord, but didn’t play a single senior game in his home country before moving to Bayern Munich at the age of 17. He has Champions League and Bundesliga medals from his time in Germany, but he struggled to make an impact after a promising start with Bayern and was loaned to Anderlecht before joining Bologna.

Zirkzee said: “At Bayern Munich I was lucky, it came naturally. You also see your team-mates really gear their whole lives around football. You have to learn that. Rest, nutrition, working with your body. That work. That’s what it takes to make it. And then comes Manchester United. If Manchester United come in for you then you go. I think United are bigger than Bayern Munich.