Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee sign for Manchester United
Here are my thoughts on the pair.
Manchester United has announced publicly the club has signed Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
United reportedly will pay €40 million in instalments to the Italian club. The Red Devils hope the young Dutch forward will help Rasmus Højlund increase United’s goal tally. The signing shows how the club’s new owners INEOS intend to re-vitalise the first team with young talent; rather than older and more experienced players.
United have also bought Leny Yoro from Lille for £52.1 million. Last season the French defender had a stand-out season, getting a lot of attraction from a wide variety of clubs from Spain and England; such as Liverpool and Real Madrid. Yoro also played for United in the club’s friendly against Scottish side Rangers, helping United win (2-0). He possesses numerous qualities such as excellent technical skills such as passing and making the last tackle in 1-vs-1 situations.
Read more:
Departures
United has also Donny Van de Beek to an up-and-coming Spanish side.
The Dutch midfielder will now play for Spanish side Girona FC after the Spanish team paid United about €500,000.
Van de Beek announced on Instagram his departure from the club.
“Thank you to everyone at the club for making us feel at home. A special thanks to all the fans that made these years unforgettable,” he said.
An English forward will also leave the club for a French side. United agreed with Olympique de Marseille to sell Mason Greenwood for around $36 million, plus four million in add-ons. The deal will also include a sell-on clause, meaning United could get another $20 million.
How will Yoro and Zirkzee help United?
United need a young forward. Zirkzee has been a star player in Italy, helping Bologna reach a Champions League position. He is a young striker and needs to understand how the team plays and what is required of him. Zirkzee could be a Robin van Persie or a Javier Hernandez. Only time can tell how well he plays for United.
Yoro also looks like a strong player. I watched him play against Rangers and his technical skills were solid. During the first half, he played a beautiful ball from United’s half to create an attacking opportunity. His ability to win 1-vs-1 duels was also impressive and his athletic skill to move up the pitch is something United needs. His presence allowed United to create more chances during the match.
How do I rate United’s business so far?
Keeping Greenwood at the club would have been unlikely after dealing with sexual assault accusations which were eventually dropped.
Allowing Greenwood to stay at the club would have been a nightmare for INEOS. Greenwood leaving United means he can now rebuild his career in France. Moreover, it gives United much-needed funds to help the squad rebuild in the transfer window.
While the sale of Van de Beek was eventually going to happen. He has suffered numerous injuries while at United and hasn’t been able to regain his form when he first signed for United. I think it’s a good move for him and the club. I wish him the best in the future and look forward to seeing him play for Girona FC in the Champions League.
Stay in the game! Don't miss out on the latest soccer news, insights, and updates. Subscribe to our newsletter today.