'Nutmegs, chops and backheels' - Joshua Zirkzee reveals his plan to amaze Man Utd fans as new signing discusses his playing style

Zirkzee has opened up about the style of play he will bring to United, preferring to play in a "fun" way with a balance of flair and tricks as well as relying on his intelligence and "intuition". The big money arrival is aiming to make the game enjoyable to watch for fans with dribbling and skill while also helping the team by dropping deep and pressing.

Zirkzee joined United last month to add depth and competition alongside Rasmus Hojlund up front and the ex-Bologna man's added pace and flair will balance the hold-up play preferred by the Dane. The Dutch forward was soon joined at Old Trafford by Leny Yoro, but the defender recently picked up an injury that will keep him out of action for at least three months.

Zirkzee told The Mirror: “I want to play a pure game. Nutmegs, chops and backheels are moments that belong in football. That style has value for me. It's the soccer kid in me because it’s supposed to be fun too, isn't it?

“You have to pick the right moments. It's intuition. I think I have excellent skills. I spent a lot of time on that as a kid. But if I lose the ball, I want to regain it immediately with the team. But the fancy footwork is part of my game at the end of the day.

“I occasionally drop down to midfield. I don't do that for myself but to help the team. I am what I call a false striker. Not a No. 9, not a No. 10. I am a 9.5! That's my game. Maybe I'm a little different than others. But being different is good, right?”

Zirkzee recently returned from his extended break after featuring for Netherlands at Euro 2024, but the 23-year-old is due back in Manchester in the coming weeks. The new arrival is not expected to make his debut in the Community Shield against rivals Manchester City on August 10 and will be eased into action by Erik ten Hag.