AC Milan legend Ruud Guillit believes compatriot Joshua Zirkzee made a mistake joining Manchester United in the summer, rather than staying in Italy, where he was wanted by the Rossoneri.
Zirkzee had a busy summer, finalising his £36.5 million move to United just five days after Holland’s Euro 2024 semi-final defeat to England in Dortmund.
The Dutchman’s performances for United have quickly drawn criticism despite scoring a last-minute winner on his debut against Fulham. Fans have been hit with the realisation that the former Bologna star is not a goalscorer, but a linkman in the final third.
Speaking in a lengthy interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Guillit explained why a move to Milan would have been better for the 23-year-old Netherlands international.
“Zirkzee would have done better to say yes to Milan instead of moving to Manchester United in England,” said Guillit. “He knew Serie A and for his development, another couple of seasons in this tournament would have been very useful to him, but in a top club like Milan. Now instead, he is in a club that has many problems and that does not facilitate his growth.”
Zirkzee has struggled to make an impact, scoring just one goal in six Premier League appearances, and is yet to start alongside yellow striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Guillit added: “I hope he manages to reverse the trend after an inevitable period of settling in. He’s good, no doubt about that, but at United it’s hard to do well in such a tough moment.”
We can only hope that things pick up for United as well as Zirkzee. He isn’t the only player wishing he was performing better.
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