Erik ten Hag backs Man Utd summer signing to shine | OneFootball

Manchester United are set to host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday.

Speaking to the press ahead of the highly-anticipated clash, Ten Hag was asked if Joshua Zirkzee could develop into a prolific goalscorer.

He replied (via ManUtd.com): “Yes, I do. Sure, he is young. We see his great abilities. He is a very good link-up player – he is creative.

“He is creating chances but, to be fair, he also has his moments towards the goal from the opposition.

“I think it was a great action he had [against FC Twente] and a great finish he had – top save from the keeper, but in that area he can definitely improve.

“We know he has some very good attributes, and he has to improve, and he needs our support on how to improve.”

Joshua Zirkzee must aim to develop further

The £36.5 million United signing has had a reasonable start to his United career.

However, he has netted only once in seven appearances. This tally must improve.

Zirkzee is not a traditional number nine but more of a facilitator. He has shown great link-up play with his fellow attackers.

The Netherlands international is a tall striker and has the feet of a playmaker. He often drops deep to help feed passes forward to quick wingers.

His one-touch passing is exceptional and can help to break down the opposition’s defence.

He ranked among the top ten players in Serie A last season for chances created from open play.

He could have had an assist against Crystal Palace but Bruno Fernandes failed to hit the target.

As a striker, you need goals to showcase your contribution, but his overall performances are worthy of appreciation.

Ten Hag missed a trick by not playing Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund together when United searched for a winning goal in the final ten minutes against FC Twente.

Hojlund is a clinical goalscorer and United’s attack would have more bite if he was alongside Ziekzee.

His link-up play will help the team perform better, but it would be icing on the cake if he could also deliver an end product.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com.