Manchester United's predicted lineup after signing Joshua Zirkzee

The Dutch forward’s addition is a boost for the Red Devils’ upcoming season.

Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United is now a done deal. The sensational over €40m transfer move might turn out to be the perfect answer to the Red Devils’ attacking woes.

The Dutch forward had a wonderful season with Bologna, scoring 11 goals while providing four assists in the last Serie A season. While his new club United failed to perform as per their standards in the previous campaign. 

Erik ten Hag’s side finished eighth in the Premier League, while ending their campaigns in the group phase and fourth round of the UEFA Champions League and EFL Cup respectively. The team only scored 57 goals in the last league season, while conceding 58. To heal some wounds, they beat arch-rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final to clinch the coveted title for the 13th time.

Now, with the new 23-year-old forward in, Manchester United can hope to regain their glory. Let’s have a look at how Ten Hag’s Red Devils could lineup after signing Joshua Zirkzee:

Manchester United predicted lineup after signing Joshua Zirkzee (4-1-2-3):

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana

Ever since his transfer from Inter Milan in 2023, the 28-year-old has been Manchester United’s first-choice. Last season, he featured in every game for the Red Devils, in all major competitions, except for one FA Cup match when he was on national duty. This season, he is expected to be vested with similar responsibility.

Right-Back: Diogo Dalot

The Portuguese full-back is a trusted soldier in United’s camp. In 2023-24, he appeared in 50 club games, performing his responsibilities sincerely. His pace and ability to cater to the midfield and forward line will be highly-utilized by Erik ten Hag in the coming days. Dalot can also strike at times, like he did while scoring three goals last season.

Centre-Back: Harry Maguire

The 31-year-old was once criticized by many for becoming the costliest defender and not meeting expectations. But, Harry Maguire has silenced his doubters by performing his duties efficiently whenever called for. 

Maguire played in 31 games for the club last season, getting benched in some initial games while not being able to play mid-season and at the end due to groin and muscle injuries. He was seen giving tough fights in many of the league games.

Centre-Back: Lisandro Martinez

The Argentine full-back had a wonderful Copa America 2024 with his nation and will be joining the Red Devils with full confidence in the upcoming days. The 26-year-old couldn’t get many minutes in 2023-24, owing to major injuries.

Martinez missed the majority of the matches, leaving Manchester United with huge gaps to fill. Fans will expect him to stay fit and play fully this season.

Left-Back: Luke Shaw

The English full-back is set to continue his spell with the club having completed a decade here. The 1.78m defender too missed a chunk of vital games due to injuries last season, making the defence worse.

He appeared in only 15 games for United in the 2023-24 season. United will bank on his fitness to progress well ahead.

Central Defensive Midfielder: Casemiro

The veteran was the best in his position in his prime. Manchester United had signed the star defensive midfielder with huge expectations, but he hasn’t delivered fully. The Brazilian is known for his strong mentality, tackles and ability to block goalscoring chances. 

Ten Hag will expect him to consistently deliver his best in the upcoming season. He featured in 25 league games in 2023-24, playing efficiently in most of them.

Central Midfielder: Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo had a decent outing for Manchester United in the latter half of 2023-24. He played in 24 Premier League and six FA Cup games last season.

With his stellar performances for the Red Devils, he earned a spot in England’s Euro squad. The teenager did impress in Germany with his gifted skills at the recently-concluded Euro 2024. Erik ten Hag will hope that the talented youngster takes more responsibility in the upcoming season. 

Central Midfielder: Bruno Fernandes

Captain Bruno Fernandes hails to be the pivot of Manchester United’s gameplay. From scoring fantabulous goals to creating quality chances and providing good assists, the 29-year-old Portuguese can do it all. Last season, he scored the most goals for the Red Devils in the Premier League, along with providing several assists.

United will rely on his quality to do well this time. His combination with Joshua Zirkzee could be lethal for the opposition.

Right Winger: Alejandro Garnacho

The 20-year-old prolific Argentine attacker has played in multiple positions in the forward line for Ten Hag’s United. His dribbling skills and electric pace are a huge plus for the side. He was valued heavily by Manchester United last season, resulting in 36 league appearances.

Now, with more experience, fans will expect him to be more lethal. His high-paced runs and assists will be a boost for Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

Striker: Joshua Zirkzee

The 1.93m centre-forward had an impressive season with Bologna last time. He scored 12 goals in 37 appearances. The big-money signing can prove to be the missing piece in the forward line, which struck only 57 goals in Premier League 2023-24. The player has the hunger to improve and Ten Hag might start him regularly.

Left Winger: Marcus Rashford

Perhaps the most talented attacker in Manchester United’s forward line. The No. 10 is liked by the board and fans for his skills, goalscoring and assists. Like Garnacho, he can also play in multiple positions. One can expect the trio of Garnacho-Zirkzee-Rashford to switch positions too.

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