Former Manchester United Midfielder Owen Hargreaves Questions Signing of £36 million striker Joshua Zirkzee

Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has questioned the club’s decision to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £36 million this summer.

The Dutchman made a promising start to his United career, scoring on his debut against Fulham. However, Hargreaves believes that Zirkzee is not the type of player who can help the club win major trophies.

“I quite like him; he’s got something, but he’s not a Haaland killer who’s going to get you 40 goals,” Hargreaves said on Rio Ferdinand Presents. “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 who’s ruthless.”

🎥 – Nistelrooy consoling Zirkzee after being subbed off ❤️

So our new striker makes his first start, and our fans already saying we shouldn't have signed him?

It's just 3 games, how about give him time to settle in instead of bringing him down? pic.twitter.com/A7VmrKGcoJ https://t.co/5R1cUr5lsC

— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) September 2, 2024

The former United star added that the club should only sign players who they believe can help them win the Premier League and Champions League. He also praised the club’s academy for producing promising young talent.

“I think Man United should only sign players they think can win them the Premier League and Champions League; otherwise, keep the money,” Hargreaves said.

“[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.”

Hargreaves comments come following United’s humiliating 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford to archrivals Liverpool. Zirkzee missed two golden chances in the match, and his performance received mixed criticism.

The 23-year-old will be keen to bounce back straight away after the international break when Erik ten Hag’s side face Southampton at St Mary’s.