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"I have high hopes" - Ex-Manchester United striker thinks Van Nistelrooy can get best out of Joshua Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee joined Manchester United from Bologna in the summer after an impressive spell in Serie A. The Dutch forward has shown glimpses of promise but has struggled with his end product.

By Matthew Guyett

Joshua Zirkzee could be transformed into a more potent goalscorer
Joshua Zirkzee could be transformed into a more potent goalscorer / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/GettyImages
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Former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi reckons Joshua Zirkzee has something special despite a topsy-turvy start at Old Trafford. He feels working under Erik ten Hag's assistant, Ruud van Nistelrooy, will bode well for the young striker. The Netherlands international joined the club from Bologna in a reported £36.5 million.

Rossi spoke highly of Zirkzee and his talent and highlighted how difficult it can be to play for a club of the Red Devils' magnitude. The Italian told Ladbrokes "Gaffer of all Accas":

" I have high hopes for [Joshua] Zirkzee. I saw him play in Italy for Bologna; he’s a very young player, but he has that something special in him. It’s hard to come to a club like Manchester United and show that right away, just because of the pressures that come with that kind of move, and what being the club’s number nine entails."

Zirkzee started his United career with a bang, coming off the bench and scoring the winner on his debut in a 1-0 win over Fulham. It's been a tough ride since that game, with Ten Hag's side struggling for form, sitting 13th in the league,, and he's spurned several opportunities.

Rossi is confident Zirkzee will flourish working with Van Nistelrooy one of the greatest Premier League strikers in history:

"He’s got Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is the best striker I’ve seen in that position in the last 20 or 30 years. I played with him, which was a pleasure, and he was one of my idols growing up. I kind of understand what Zirkzee has in front of him in Ruud, and that’s greatness."

- Giuseppe Rossi (Ladbrokes)

When will Joshua Zirkzee next be in action?

Zirkzee, 23, can be expected to feature in Manchester United's upcoming UEFA Europa League clash against FC Porto on Thursday (October 3). Ten Hag's future is under speculation amid a dissapointing start to the season and games against the Liga Portugal side and Aston Villa (October 6) could be decisive ahead of the international break.

Rasmus Hojlund has returned from a hamstring injury which does raise questions over Zirkzee continuing to lead the line for the Reds. The Dane is anticipated to share the goalscoring burden with the Dutchman.

Red Devil Armada Verdict

Zirkzee can learn what makes a striker prolific by working closely with Van Nistelrooy. The iconic frontman bagged 150 goals in 219 games during his playing career at United. We've seen some brilliance from the former Bayern Munich forward since his arrival this past summer, bringing others into play and possessing quick feet. He needs to start delivering on the goalscoring front with just one goal in eight games.

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