Manchester United target Joshua Zirkzee attracts Dimitar Berbatov comparisons | OneFootball

Much has been made about a lack of depth in defence at Manchester United, further exacerbated by a string of injuries in recent weeks. However, the same could be said about their options going forward.

Erik ten Hag has had to place his trust in the likes of Rasmus Hojlund (21) and Alejandro Garnacho (19) to rattle the opposition’s net this season.

The former in particular got little time to find his feet in England after joining Man United from Atalanta last summer. In an ideal world, Ten Hag would have preferred to bring in another striker to rotate with Hojlund.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s squads consistently boasted multiple strikers in their ranks at the same time.

From Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to Dimitar Berbatov, the legendary Scots always made sure to have quality goal-scoring options to rotate with his first-choice stars.

Interestingly, this summer the club’s hierarchy may get an opportunity to not only sign a player who can play Berbatov’s role in this current United side but also bring similar qualities to the table.

Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with United ahead of the summer transfer window owing to his prolific form with Bologna. It is believed he has a release clause worth €40 million in his contract.

The Dutchman, who previously played for Bayern Munich, has scored 10 goals and assisted thrice in Serie A this term.

Further, his technical ability and all-round play are as impressive as his output, so much so that he has been compared to Berbatov by former Italian striker Robert Acquafresca.

Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb, Acquafresca explained: “Will Zirkzee be a transfer man in the summer and if I have to compare him to someone he reminds me a lot of Berbatov because he has great technique and vision of the game and only scores beautiful goals he said that now he also has to score some dirty goals to be even more complete as a striker.”

Considering how smooth Berbatov was with the ball at his feet, some might scoff at the comparison. Regardless, there is no denying that Zirkzee is a top talent.

The 22-year-old certainly possesses the talent to strengthen United’s frontline by challenging Hojlund for the starting spot as well as sharing goal-scoring duties with the Dane.

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