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New Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has named Cristiano Ronaldo and Robin van Persie two of his three idols. The young forward has become the latest Dutch attacker to join the Red Devils and ply their trade in the Premier League.
Zirkzee, 23, is looking to follow in the footsteps of United legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Van Persie. He also holds a former Dutch Arsenal striker in high regard when asked by Viaplay for his three idols:
"Cristiano Ronaldo, Robin van Persie, Dennis Bergkamp."
Ronaldo left his mark in the Premier League, and his meteoric rise into becoming a bonafide all-time great started at Old Trafford. He spent two spells with the Red Devils, posting 145 goals and 64 assists in 346 games. Club and international football's all-time top scorer won three Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and five other major trophies with the Reds.
Van Persie started his career in the English top-flight with Arsenal before leaving for Manchester United in August 2012. The Dutchman quickly established himself as a fan favorite, registering 30 goals and nine assists in 48 games across competitions. He finished as the top scorer that season to guide Sir Alex Ferguson's men to the title in the Scot's final campaign in charge.
Bergkamp excelled for the Gunners but also the Netherlands national team due to his elegant playing style. He bagged 120 goals and 112 assists in 422 games at Higbury, part of Arsene Wenger's Invincibles team that won the title in 2004.
"Never say never" - Wes Brown tips Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Manchester United for a third time
Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, left Manchester United for the second time in his career in November 2022. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner departed unceremoniously after putting the club's owners, manager Erik ten Hag and infustructure on blast in an explosive interview.
The five-time UEFA Champions League winner recently spoke of his love for United remaining intact. He still has the affection of fans who view him as one of the greatest players to grace Old Trafford.
Ronaldo's former teammate Wes Brown went one step further and talked up a potential third return for the Portugal captain. He said (via FourFourTwo):
"When it comes to Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Manchester United in some capacity, you can never say never."
Brown touched on Ronaldo's tumultous second spell:
"Obviously when he left the second time, we were all disappointed because he had been one of United's best-ever players. It was disappointing how it ended and I think he could return to try and make amends for the sour ending."
Ronaldo is currently at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and is rolling back the years with consistent performances. A return to United seems unlikely given his issues with Ten Hag who handed him a bit-part role leading to his second exit.
