Summertime acquisition. Joshua Zirkzee claims that the Dutch-speaking Manchester United supporters have aided in his adjustment to life at Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old forward, who signed a five-year contract with the option for a sixth, joined the team in July after leaving Bologna. After United reached an agreement on a €42.5 million deal, he finalised his move to England.
In the Premier League opening last month, Zirkzee made his debut by scoring the game-winning goal as United defeated Fulham 1-0. He has received a lot of acclaim following Saturday’s goalless draw with Crystal Palace, although he hasn’t scored since. This is the precise reason the Reds signed a forward with his profile.
When asked who on the team he has bonded with the most thus far, Zirkzee responded, “To be honest, everyone,” in an interview with United Review. My relationships with all of them are positive.
“It has been made easier by the men who speak Dutch, Christian [Eriksen], Tyrell [Malacia], Nouss [Noussair Mazraoui], and Matthijs [De Ligt]. However, I enjoy hanging out with everyone on this team. There are no problems for me there.”
Naturally, Zirkzee was one of two Netherlands internationals to sign for United during the summer transfer window; De Ligt followed him to M16 a few weeks later. The former Juventus and Ajax defender was United’s second centre-back addition this season, with Leny Yoro arriving first. The squad had intended to sign two centre-backs.
De Ligt came to the Reds from Bayern Munich, one of Zirkzee’s previous teams, and the two had lived together in Germany. Additionally, they have a strong international stage relationship.
“I have a good friend named Matthias,” Zirkzee said. “I know him from the national team as well as Bayern.
“I was just very happy for him [to score vs Southampton], not that he was affected by it [Netherlands criticism], but there have been some words about him because of what happened in the national team, so I was just extra happy for him to get that goal.”
Zirkzee went on to praise De Ligt’s skill, saying, “He is exactly the kind of player you want in your team.” It is so nice to have him on your side rather than against you because he is always talking, always wanting to give the team his all, plays for the team, and has a positive attitude.”