Manchester United new boy Joshua Zirkzee has explained how a City legend developed his game and why he flopped at Bayern Munich.
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Broke through in Germany as a teenagerEnjoyed productive loan spell in BelgiumReady for new challenge with Red DevilsGetty/GOALWHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Devils have splashed out £36 million ($46m) on luring the Dutch forward away from Bologna – after seeing him hit 12 goals for them last season. The Netherlands international is still only 23 years of age, having burst onto the scene as a teenage sensation at Bayern.
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Zirkzee failed to make his mark in Munich, but showcased what he is all about during a loan spell at Belgian side Anderlecht in 2021-22 that delivered 18 goals under the guidance of Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany – who is now in charge of Harry Kane and Co at the Allianz Arena.
GettyWHAT ZIRKZEE SAID
Zirkzee credits Kompany with helping to unlock the potential in his game, while also telling of why he failed to produce his best for Bayern: “Kompany was the coach who explained so much to me about the game and the small details. That year under him was very important for my development – and he also made sure I played all the time. At Anderlecht, under the wings of Kompany, I took some significant steps forward during that season. Things went so much better for me. In my time at Bayern, I wasn't that player. There, I was too much in awe.
“I should have believed in myself more. Back then I thought I was okay, but now I have a different mentality. I don't know how else to explain it. I think back then I wasn't even half the player I am now. I thought I was good enough to become Bayern's first striker right away, but I wasn't ready for that at all. It was very good that I took a step back to find out what it really takes to succeed at the top.”
WHAT NEXT?
United are presenting Zirkzee with an opportunity to prove himself again at the very highest level, with it likely that his debut for the Red Devils will come in their Community Shield clash with Manchester City on August 10 – with fellow frontman Rasmus Hojlund currently ruled out with a hamstring injury.
