Joshua Zirkzee granted special request by Man United
Zirkzee has struggled to make an impact, having scored only one goal in six Premier League appearances
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reportedly granted forward Joshua Zirkzee permission to visit his former Bologna teammates while they were in Liverpool for a Champions League fixture against Liverpool.
Zirkzee, who featured in United’s disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, took the opportunity to reunite with his former colleagues as they arrived in Merseyside.
Despite the current crisis at Old Trafford, the Dutch striker sought approval from his club to make the short journey to Bologna’s team hotel.
According to sources, Zirkzee shared hugs and handshakes with his ex-teammates and spent time chatting with them until around 10:30pm on Tuesday night, just ahead of United’s Europa League clash with FC Porto on Thursday.
Last season, Zirkzee was instrumental in helping Bologna secure a spot in the Champions League, scoring 11 goals in 34 Serie A appearances.
The 23-year-old completed a busy summer transfer window, finalizing a £36.5 million move to Manchester United just five days after the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 semi-final loss to England in Dortmund.
Despite his move, the former Bayern Munich forward expressed his continued affection for Bologna in a heartfelt statement upon joining Manchester United, emphasizing that the club would always hold a special place in his heart.
In July, he penned: “Grazie, Rossoblu.
“I can’t really find the words to explain how much you all mean to me.
“The stadium, the city, this team, but especially the PEOPLE who will always have a special place in my heart.
“I hope that for all the support and trust that you gave me, I have given something back in return.
“Bologna is finally where it belongs and I will support and cheer for you from a distance!
“Ti Amo, Bolo. Forever.”
Despite scoring a last-minute winner on his debut against Fulham, Zirkzee’s performances for United have quickly attracted criticism.
Dutch legend Frank de Boer was particularly harsh on his fellow countryman after a disappointing showing against Spurs, stating on Viaplay: “Look at Joshua Zirkzee. He was having a nightmare.
“He was absolutely shocking. How many times does he make the wrong choices on the pitch?
“Ok, he did have one shot at goal and the keeper saved it.
“But all in all he was champion in losing the ball.
“During the warm-up before the game, I was watching him and he was shooting on goal but he was blasting it anywhere but on target.
“Honestly, he did not hit the target once in the warm-up.
“That was terrible.
“When you are a good striker, you don’t have to blast every ball, you have to make sure your shots are in the corner.
“During the game Marcus Rashford tried to shoot like that. Zirkzee never did.”
Zirkzee has struggled to make an impact, having scored only one goal in six Premier League appearances.
He has yet to start alongside fellow striker Rasmus Hojlund, as both players vie for a position in the starting lineup.
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