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Joshua Zirkzee has spoken glowingly of his new Manchester United teammate, Kobbie Mainoo, after facing him at Euro 2024. The pair locked horns in the tournament's semifinals as England beat the Netherlands 2-1 at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund (July 10).
Mainoo, 19, put in a masterful performance, particularly in the first half, where he pulled the strings in the middle of the park. He made one key pass, completed all three of his ground duels, and was also defensively astute, making two interceptions.
Zirkzee, 23, came on in the second half of that game and was pictured interacting with Mainoo after the final whistle. The Dutch striker touched on the Red Devils starlet's outing and how he was left in awe while watching on the bench. He told Manchester United's media team:
"Kobbie had a fantastic game, played incredible. I was talking about it on the bench like this guy is very, very good."
Mainoo was a standout performer for England at Euro 2024 after Gareth Southgate opted to bring him into his starting XI in their third group game. He made six appearances as the Three Lions finished runners-up in Germany.
The Stockport-born midfielder enjoyed a breakout season at Old Trafford before the Euros. He finished the campaign by scoring the winner in United's 2-1 win against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Zirkzee will soon play alongside Mainoo in Erik ten Hag's first team. The Netherlands international has joined the club from Serie A side Bologna in a reported £36.5 million deal.
"Unpredictable" - Joshua Zirkzee tells Manchester United fans what to expect from him
Joshua Zirkzee has given an insight into what Manchester United fans can expect when he takes to the pitch for Ten Hag's side. The Dutch attacker was a hit in Serie A last season, posting 12 goals and seven assists in 37 games across competitions.
Zirkzee told MUTV that he's a creative player who can be unpredictable:
"Creative player, good with the ball. Yeah, I’m just, a bit unpredictable at times. So, yeah, I think those are the perfect words for me, yeah."
Joshua Zirkzee's stock is high, and his former manager, Thiago Motta, previously likened him to Barcelona icon Ronaldinho. He'll provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund up top but can also play as a second striker.
Manchester United struggled in front of goal last season, with Marcus Rashford and Antony disappointing. Hojlund showed promise with 16 goals and two assists in 43 games across competitions.
