Manchester United struggled to discover a constant supply of objectives in the course of the 2023/24 season, they usually have swiftly seemed to deal with that problem in the summertime switch window.

In Joshua Zirkzee, United are getting a ahead who has all of it – the flexibility to steer the road, hyperlink up effectively with others and get the very best out of these round him.

It is exhausting to say whether or not Zirkzee might be a 20-goal-a-season striker, but when United play to his strengths, it won’t matter. The Dutchman’s knack of bringing these round him into play might result in a scoring increase within the ultimate third.

Listed here are the alternative ways United might line up with Zirkzee.

The only solution to match Zirkzee into this United XI is as a one-for-one alternative for Hojlund.

There’s a sturdy argument behind this, a minimum of. Hojlund’s principal energy is his tempo operating in behind to create probabilities, however he seldom acquired the ball in these areas – partly as a result of all of his teammates wished to do the identical factor, partly as a result of solely Bruno Fernandes appeared able to feeding him the ball.

Stylistically, Zirkzee is a greater match for video games wherein United are anticipated to have extra of the ball. With runners like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho peeling away – Jadon Sancho can also be again within the combine too after burying the hatchet with Erik ten Hag – Zirkzee will not be in need of teammates to hyperlink up with, whereas Fernandes’ direct risk ought to guarantee he will get on the ball sufficient to make an impression.

As recommended, this can primarily work if Rashford and Garnacho maintain up on their finish of the deal. If the previous returns to his show-stopping 2022/23 type wherein he scored 30 objectives, and the latter continues his fast fee of improvement, then Ten Hag may land on a profitable system. Throw into the equation a profitable reintegration of Sancho and who is aware of what might occur.

Potential lineups

There’s an additional tantalising tactical wrinkle past Zirkzee enjoying as a substitute of Hojlund – Zirkzee enjoying with Hojlund.

Zirkzee’s skillset lends itself completely to beginning alongside a extra cellular striker able to stretching play. Each are absolute items effectively above six-feet tall as effectively, giving them an apparent aerial benefit.

That’s United heritage, in spite of everything. Two complementary strikers. No nonsense. Get it within the mixer. Bosh.

Potential lineups

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