Manchester United have made their first signing under the ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, agreeing a deal worth approximately €42m (£35.3m) for Bologna’s promising forward Joshua Zirkzee. The 23-year-old Dutchman is set to provide competition for Rasmus Højlund at centre-forward and bolster Erik ten Hag’s attacking options.
Zirkzee: A Rising Star Arrives at Old Trafford
While the fee surpasses Zirkzee’s €40m release clause, Manchester United have secured a more flexible payment structure, allowing them to spread the cost over three years. This financial maneuvering provides the club with greater flexibility in the transfer market as they look to strengthen further.
Standing at an imposing 6ft 3in, Zirkzee began his professional career at Bayern Munich, where he made 17 appearances across three seasons. Loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht provided valuable experience before he joined Bologna in August 2022.
Zirkzee’s recent international breakthrough adds further excitement to his arrival. He made his Netherlands debut in their 2-1 Euro 2024 quarter-final victory over Turkey, coming on as an 87th-minute substitute. He appeared in the semi-final match against England, coming on as a substitute in the 89th minute.
Van de Beek Departs for Girona
As Zirkzee arrives, Donny van de Beek departs Old Trafford after a frustrating spell. The Dutch playmaker joined United from Ajax in September 2020 for an initial £37.4m but failed to establish himself as a regular starter.
Van de Beek has signed a three-year contract with Girona, with the initial fee set at €500,000. This figure could rise to €9.1m, with United also securing a significant share of any future sell-on fee.
Coaching Staff Shake-Up
Erik ten Hag has changed his coaching staff, with Benni McCarthy and Mitchell van der Gaag leaving the club. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake are the new additions, replacing the departing coaches.
Both new assistants have signed contracts until 2026. Van Nistelrooy, a legendary striker for Manchester United between 2001 and 2006, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the club. He recently managed PSV Eindhoven, guiding them for the majority of the 2022-23 Eredivisie season.
Hake, meanwhile, is a seasoned Dutch coach who has held six coaching positions in his homeland. He joins United from Go Ahead Eagles, whom he led since 2022.
Ten Hag Explains Coaching Changes
Speaking about the changes, Ten Hag emphasized the need for a “refresh” of the coaching team as United look to build on their progress over the past two seasons. He expressed gratitude for the contributions of McCarthy and van der Gaag, while highlighting the qualities that van Nistelrooy and Hake bring to the team.
Now is a good moment to refresh the coaching team as we strive to build on the successes of the last two years and go to the next level, Ten Hag noted. Mitchell has chosen that now is the perfect time for him to follow his own objectives in a No. 1 role. I’d want to recognize his outstanding service over the last two years, as well as Benni’s significant contributions.
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