Former Ballon d’Or winner believes Zirkzee made a mistake by joining Manchester United

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee | Imago

Former Ballon d’Or winner believes Zirkzee made a mistake by joining Manchester United

Ayoola Kelechi 13:56 - 04.10.2024

After one goal in nine games for Joshua Zirkzee at Manchester United, it is starting to look like the former Bologna man made a mistake by joining the Red Devils

AC Milan and Netherlands footballing icon Ruud Gullit has shared his belief that Joshua Zirkzee should have opted for a move to Milan instead of Manchester United.

Zirkzee’s Manchester United struggles

Serie A giants AC Milan made the initial approach to Zirkzee last summer with a €40 million bid for the then-Bologna star, but a late push from Manchester United saw the Netherlands international join Ten Hag’s side.

Joshua Zirkzee is a Red Devil | X(Manchester United)

After choosing the Red Devils over the Rossoneri, Zirkzee made an immediate impact, scoring Manchester United’s winner over Fulham in his first game for the club after signing.

Joshua Zirkzee in action for Manchester United against Liverpool

However, despite scoring on his debut, the 23-year-old striker has struggled with just one goal in nine appearances for Manchester United, and Gullit believes joining them has hindered his development.

Gullit faults Zirkzee’s Manchester United move

Speaking with Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, Gullit said, “Zirkzee should have joined Milan rather than Manchester United.

Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit

“He knew Serie A and a couple extra seasons in this competition at a top club like Milan would have been ideal for his development. Now, he’s in a club with many problems, which is not making his growth easy.”

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Despite his disappointment at Zirkzee’s choice, Gullit is not giving up on the young forward, and added, “I hope Zirkzee can turn it around, even if needing some time to settle in is natural. He’s undoubtedly a good player, but it’s hard to do well at Man United in this historical moment.

Joshua Zirkzee was an unused substitute in the Community Shield (Credit: Imago)

The 1987 Ballon d’Or winner will no doubt be watching with keen interest as his compatriot takes on the challenging role of helping Manchester United reclaim their old glory.