WHAT HAPPENED?
On Thursday, rumors circulated that Bologna and United had completed a €42.5 million (£36 million/$46 million) deal for the 23-year-old to join the Old Trafford team. The Red Devils were able to quickly get the Dutch forward when his initial agreement to join AC Milan fell through. He’s joined fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag in Manchester and has inked a five-year deal with the option to add a season.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Zirkzee is United’s first significant acquisition following the acquisition of a minority stake in the team by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS firm. With the appointment of Dan Ashworth from Newcastle as the team’s new sports director, the British millionaire hopes to change the club’s transfer policy. He came after Omar Berrada, who agreed to join the team from Manchester City and assumed the role of CEO.
WHAT ZIRKZEE SAID
“Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United,” Zirkzee said.
“I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies. It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.”
WHAT NEXT?
Zirkzee, having represented the Netherlands at Euro 2024, will be training with his new teammates as United gets ready for the next campaign. Ten Hag’s team wants to improve on their eighth-place result in the English Premier League last season, which was their lowest finish in the history of the league.
