When will Joshua Zirkzee make debut for Manchester United? Potential first match vs Red Devils' arch-rivals on cards

Joshua Zirkzee is on the brink of joining Manchester United, and the striker could debut against Liverpool or Manchester City. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 23-year-old Dutchman is undergoing a medical at Carrington ahead of a £36 million move from Serie A side Bologna.

Zirkzee will be jetting off on holiday once he's completed his medical and his move to the Red Devils is made official. He is set for a three-week vacation after cutting one short due to a late call-up to the Netherlands' squad for Euro 2024.

The former Bayern Munich frontman's holiday means he'll miss most of Manchester United's pre-season tour of the USA. The forward won't be available for games against Rosenborg (July 15), Rangers (July 20), Arsenal (July 28) and Real Betis (August 1).

However, Zirkzee could debut in a blockbuster friendly against United's arch-rivals Liverpool on August 4. That game will be played at Williams-Brice Stadium in South Carolina.

If the two-cap Netherlands international can't participate in that game, he will likely make his first Red Devils appearance against City instead. Erik ten Hag's men face their cross-city foes at Wembley in the Community Shield on August 10.

Either of those games would be quite the way for Zirkzee to make his Manchester United debut. He's become INEOS' first signing amid a new era at Old Trafford and is tasked with adding more firepower and options in attack.

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Rasmus Hojlund is raring to start the season amid Joshua Zirkzee's arrival at Manchester United

Rasmus Hojlund has fresh competition at Manchester United, with Zirkzee arriving to bolster Ten Hag's frontline. The Danish frontman was the Red Devils' starting center-forward last season, and the goalscoring burden weighed heavy.

The 21-year-old posted 16 goals and two assists in 43 games across competitions. He encountered a topsy-turvy debut campaign that could have benefitted from a fit strike partner as Anthony Martial was constantly sidelined.

Hojlund appears to be up for the challenge of either forming a new partnership or seeing off competition from his fellow striker. He posted on Instagram an amusing snap of himself eating some meat with the caption:

"This is how hungry I am for the season to start."

It doesn't appear that the Dutchman's arrival spells the end of Hojlund's run as Manchester United's main centre-forward. Bologna chief Marco Di Vaio detailed the profile of striker the Red Devils are signing when speaking last season (via La Gazzetta dello Sport):

"Joshua is a nine-and-a-half [a cross between a striker and a playmaker], yes, but he doesn’t resemble anyone. He’s a unique player."

Zirkzee has played a variety of attacking roles during his career, including up top, as an attacking midfielder, and on the right wing. It bodes well for Ten Hag, as his attack was a glaring issue last season.