Man Utd transfer strategy questioned as Erik ten Hag accused of 'red flag' signings

Joshua Zirkzee's big-money move to Manchester United is already being scrutinized by a former Red Devils forward, before he even links up with Erik ten Hag's squad.

Zirkzee inked a five-year deal with United , to become Ten Hag's first summer signing after an impressive Serie A season where he scored 11 league goals. Despite his form, he didn't initially make it into the Dutch squad for Euro 2024. However, due to injuries, he was eventually called up, but only made a few brief appearances off the bench.

Interestingly, Zirkzee was even ranked below ex-United loanee Wout Weghorst, leading some pundits to question his ability to thrive in the Premier League . Among the doubters is former striker Dwight Yorke, who believes Zirkzee's transfer raises a 'red flag'.

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Yorke had previously expressed his confusion over United's interest in Zirkzee before the player signed, describing the links as 'baffling'. He has now reiterated his criticism, suggesting fellow summer recruit, Leny Yoro, might also find the Premier League challenging.

"Manchester United are bringing in Leny Yoro and asking an 18-year-old to come in at such a difficult time and asking them to help raise your own level," Yorke commented. "The Premier League is the toughest place to sort of apply your trade for the first time."

"Then you've got Joshua Zirkzee, who seems to have a decent season with Bologna and could make an impact, but you have to ask why he is not a starter for Holland.

"That's a red flag for me when you come in at United for that sort of fee. In recent years the club have brought in middle-of-the-road players rather than the crème de la crème players that they should be getting.

"United should be signing the very best players in Holland and the best players in whatever national team they are playing for. United are not in the position to do that anymore and it worries me.

"I'm not saying the kid is not a good player. I'm not saying that he definitely can't go and light up the Premier League, but why is he not playing in the Holland first team? Is he great for Bologna but he's not good for the Holland national team? Does that mean he can't be that great for United? But we can only judge him on that at the end of the season."

Liverpool.com says: Zirkzee is clearly a talented footballer, as is Yoro, but United may well have needed a bit more experience this summer. The Dutchman is still inexperienced and it did seem that United should have gone for a striker who has been around the block to add to Rasmus Hojlund.