Man United forward Joshua Zirkzee on PSV radar after surprise twist | OneFootball

Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven are plotting a shock raid for Joshua Zirkzee after Manchester United decided against letting the 24-year-old forward leave this month, according to a new report.

A “False” Nine

Zirkzee has failed to settle at Old Trafford since arriving from Bologna for £36.5 million in the summer of 2024, struggling to adapt to the rigours of English football.

Despite possessing a hulking 6’4 frame, the Netherlands international lacks the aggression and tenacity to impose his physical talents in matches, instead relying on his technique. He is something of a hybrid; a cross between a No.9 and no.10, without the requisite skillset to be effective in either role.

Zirkzee has mustered just nine goals in 65 appearances for the Red Devils – a continuation of a shyness in front of goal he has demonstrated throughout his career. But this is paired with a paltry four assists, an untenable level of contribution in the opposition box for a United centre-forward.

Joshua Zirkzee - Career Stats

The Dutchman was understood to be pushing for an exit in the January transfer window, with teams in the Premier League and Serie A interested in agreeing a loan deal.

However, the loss of key attackers to the Africa Cup of Nations and the dismissal of Ruben Amorim combined to create a state of flux which led INEOS to rule out any departures.

The arrival of Michael Carrick as caretaker in Amorim’s stead, along with successive victories over Manchester City and Arsenal while Zirkzee was out injured, reignited hopes United would sanction a last-minute deal before the window slammed shut on Monday.

But, in a surprise twist, the former Bayern Munich star reiterated his desire to remain at Old Trafford until the end of the season, while revealing his excitement at the prospect of playing under Carrick.

PSV ready to raid

This is expected to be a temporary stay of execution, however, with United set to push for Zirkzee’s permanent exit this summer – which has put PSV on red alert.

Sources in Holland indicate the Eredivisie champions, who are set to retain their title this season with a 17-point lead, have identified the 24-year-old as their “dream” target and a “perfect match” for head coach Peter Bosz’s system, TEAMtalk relays.

Under the Dutch tactician, PSV play a 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 hybrid with wingers who cut inside while overlapping fullbacks provide width. The preference is for a false nine, capable of dropping deep to knit the play and vacating space for the wide men to attack. In short, the perfect role for a striker with Zirkzee’s specific skillset.

However, a return to Holland – Zirkzee moved to Bayern from Feyenoord’s academy – may represent a backwards step after successive spells in three of Europe’s top five leagues, meaning the Boeren will have a tough time striking a deal, even if United are equally happy for it to go through.

Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images

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