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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Red Devils needed to find more firepower</li><li>INEOS team made call to sign Dutchman</li><li>Registered one goal in 15 appearances</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Erik ten Hag didn't want Joshua Zirkzee at Man Utd despite £36.5m transfer from Bologna - and was left furious as striker arrived at Old Trafford overweight

Premier League

Wolverhampton

Manchester United

<p>The Red Devils found themselves in the market for more attacking firepower during the summer of 2024. They eventually plumped for Netherlands international Zirkzee, who <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/joshua-zirkee-bologna-striker-transfer-thiago-motta-ronaldinho/blt4e9d93567457d95d" target="_blank">arrived from Serie A side Bologna in a £36.5 million ($47m) deal</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>He netted on his Premier League debut against Fulham, but has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/erik-ten-hag-man-utd-signings-ranked/blte734c9451e89fd5e" target="_blank">gone goalless through 14 appearances in all competitions</a> since then. Questions are being asked of his value to the collective cause, with a disgruntled fan base <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/joshua-zirkzee-too-slow-for-premier-league-man-utd-tipped-loan-forward-crazy-transfer-backfire/blt8ceaf61e7114aaaf" target="_blank">disappointed at his work rate and output</a>.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>According to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/31508499/man-utd-ten-hag-zirkzee-overweight/ " target="_blank"><em>The Sun</em></a>, Ten Hag was frustrated with his fellow countryman from the moment that he walked through the door. He is said to have linked up with United a “stone overweight” and has struggled to shift that bulk. </p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Zirkzee was reportedly targeted by the INEOS management team that is now calling the shots on behalf of United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. He is not a player that Ten Hag wanted, given that he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/joshua-zirkzee-manchester-united-zlatan-ibrahimovic-liverpool-premier-league/blt3577026bcaccd5f1" target="_blank">has never been prolific</a>, and it remains to be seen how prominently the 23-year-old will figure under incoming boss Ruben Amorim – with Ten Hag having been relieved of his coaching duties.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Erik ten Hag didn't want Joshua Zirkzee at Man Utd despite £36.5m transfer from Bologna - and was left furious as striker arrived at Old Trafford overweight | Goal.com Kenya

Erik ten Hag was reportedly left angry when Joshua Zirkzee arrived at Manchester United overweight, with the Dutchman not a player he wanted to sign.

Erik ten Hag didn&apos;t want Joshua Zirkzee at Man Utd despite £36.5m transfer from Bologna - and was left furious as striker arrived at Old Trafford overweight