From Trial at Everton to Serie A Stardom: The Rise of Manchester United’s New Star, Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee has quickly become a fan favorite at Manchester United, making an unforgettable debut with a Premier League-winning goal just 26 minutes into his first match. His dramatic impact as a second-half substitute against Fulham on Friday showcased the promise he has carried throughout his career.

Zirkzee’s rise to prominence traces back to his early days at Bayern Munich, where his journey began five years ago. As an 18-year-old forward, he was introduced into Hansi Flick’s squad during a season where Bayern Munich secured the Treble—winning the Bundesliga, German Cup, and Champions League. Despite not being a regular starter, Zirkzee’s contributions were significant.

In December 2019, with Bayern Munich struggling in the Bundesliga and sitting fifth in the table, Zirkzee made a decisive impact. Coming on as a substitute against Freiburg, he scored within 104 seconds of his debut, helping Bayern secure a 3-1 victory. A few days later, he scored again as a substitute against Wolfsburg, making an immediate impression with his quick goals in critical moments.

Zirkzee’s journey to Bayern Munich began in his hometown of Spijkenisse, where he started at VV Hekelingen. His talent was evident early on, leading to a move to Spartaan ’20 and eventually ADO Den Haag. His development continued at Feyenoord’s academy, where he excelled as a versatile forward, impressing with his goal-scoring ability in both the under-16 and under-17 teams.

Despite his success at Feyenoord, Zirkzee faced delays in securing a professional contract, leading him to explore opportunities elsewhere. Although both Ajax and PSV Eindhoven were options, he ultimately decided against joining them. In the summer of 2017, Zirkzee had the choice between Bayern Munich and Everton. Despite the allure of playing in the Premier League with Everton, he chose Bayern Munich after impressing them during a trial.

Zirkzee’s initial appearances for Bayern Munich’s senior team came after he demonstrated his potential during training sessions and games with the second team. He made his debut in a Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur and played a crucial role in Bayern’s Bundesliga campaign, scoring key goals against Freiburg and Wolfsburg, which helped them close the gap to eventual leaders RB Leipzig.

After gaining valuable experience at Bayern, Zirkzee went on loan to Parma and Anderlecht, where he continued to develop. His time at Anderlecht was particularly fruitful, with 15 league goals and eight assists under the management of Vincent Kompany. These performances helped him gain a spot on the Netherlands Under-21 team, where his coach Erwin van de Looi praised his combination of technique, strength, and efficiency.

Zirkzee’s next move took him to Bologna in Serie A, where his patience paid off. Although he spent much of his first season as a substitute, he made significant strides in his second year, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists. His contributions were pivotal in securing Champions League qualification for Bologna.

His performances earned him a place in the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, where he made his debut in the quarter-final against Turkey. Following his international success and strong club performances, Zirkzee’s transfer to Manchester United was confirmed.

At Manchester United, Zirkzee will bring a range of skills and versatility to the squad. His ability to make deep runs, his strong ball control, and his creative playmaking will be valuable assets for Erik ten Hag’s team. His technical skills and knack for setting up teammates will likely complement fellow striker Rasmus Hojlund, enhancing United’s attacking options.

As Zirkzee settles into his new role at Old Trafford, United fans can look forward to seeing how his unique talents will contribute to the team’s success in the Premier League and beyond.