Owen Hargreaves criticises the signing of “filler” Joshua Zirkzee | OneFootball

Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has claimed that his old side will not return to the top signing players like Joshua Zirkzee.

The former Bologna striker was the club’s first summer signing when they agreed a deal with the Italian club in early July.

The Dutchman won Serie A’s under 23 player of the year award after scoring 12 goals and assisting seven more last season.

Despite starting the season on the bench due to a lack of match fitness, he has had an eventful start to life at United, scoring on his debut against Fulham.

The Dutchman started his first game as a United player against Liverpool but looked off the pace and missed two big chances to get on the score sheet.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents, Hargreaves claimed Zirkzee was a good signing but not the type of player who will elevate United to a team fighting for the top prizes.

“I quite like him, he’s got something but he’s not a Haaland killer whose going to get you 40 goals.”

“In our team he would have been a good squad player, he would have been the third or fourth guy but if you want to win you need a guy at the top of the pitch whose ruthless.”

Hargreaves once again qualified what he was saying by describing him as a “really good player” just like fellow United striker Rasmus Hojlund but neither player will get you the goals that Haaland will.

Adding to the sort of player he believed United should sign he stated, “I think Man United should only sign players they think can win them the Premier League and Champions League, otherwise keep the money.”

“[Leny] Yoro could be that guy. Young boy, got crazy high potential. But at the moment, United are signing a lot of guys who are like fillers.”

Former player Dwight Yorke has also previously criticised the signing of Zirkzee and claimed he had a “decent season” but it was a “red flag” that he hadn’t started for the Netherlands in Euro 2024.

United have many problems, that was made evident in their shambolic defeat to Liverpool at the weekend, but it seems harsh to write off a player after one start.

Until Erik ten Hag’s side find balance in the midfield area and control games better, it is harsh to judge any striker as they simply do not create enough chances to allow attacking players to prosper.

Moreover, it also seems unfair to criticise a player for not scoring goals like Haaland as only Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe can realistically compete with the Norwegian’s incredible numbers.

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