It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the upcoming pre-season feels like the most important one since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, but for one player, it’s even more crucial.
Manchester United return to training on July 7, Monday, with the first pre-season game taking place in Sweden against Leeds United on July 19.
Ruben Amorim is finally getting what he wants – extended training time on the pitch and games to tinker with the team without needing results every three days.
One Man Utd ace will be looked at with a close eye throughout the pre-season, he’s someone Amorim has ‘big plans’ for.
Harry Maguire of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's second goal with team mates Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
A whirlwind Man Utd debut season for Joshua Zirkzee
The upcoming pre-season is important for every Man Utd player, but the narrative around Joshua Zirkzee is a bit different, and for good reason.
Zirkzee’s first pre-season for United was less than ideal, as there were reports that he came to the club not completely fit.
That transferred to his form in competitive games as well, as he kept going on a downward slide after scoring on his debut against Fulham on the first matchday.
When Zirkzee signed, he “reminded of Ronaldinho”, according to Thiago Motta, but it wasn’t until later in the season that Man Utd fans saw a competent player, let alone someone who reminded them of one of the greatest talents in world football history.
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As he got fitter and found a place for himself in the team, Zirkzee became a fan favourite, looking increasingly at home in the Premier League.
A season which reached a nadir after he was booed by Old Trafford against Newcastle ended with reports that Amorim has ‘big plans’ for him next season.
That season begins now.
A crucial pre-season for Zirkzee
Zirkzee is perhaps the biggest winner from United’s transfer business so far.
With potentially two goal-scoring attacking midfielders added to the ranks (Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo likely to follow him), the stage is set for Zirkzee to do what he does best.
He can drop deep, create space, and wreak havoc as a link-up striker, as goalscoring threats run all around him, getting to the end of his audacious flicks and passes.
That will come later because, for now, the most important thing for Zirkzee is to return to pre-season fit and raring to go, which he’s shown that he’s doing by working on the weakest area of his game.
United will potentially have the biggest bargain of the 2024/25 window if Zirkzee lives up to, and exceeds, the glimpses of talent he showed near the end of the last season.
United have given him the right support structure, his own professionalism has been immaculate, and now the work begins to reap the rewards on the pitch.