16 goals is quite a good return for a youngster playing his first proper season as a starter in a top-five league but Man United need more.
Rasmus Hojlund won over the fans with his passionate gameplay and potential but overreliance on a player who’s not ready put the team in a difficult position last season.
Consequently, United are now interested in getting some help for Hojlund by buying striker reinforcements.
The name that has popped up with reliability and consistency is that of Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee.
However, United are locked in a transfer war with Milan for his signature but a footballing legend has now urged the Italians that a former United man will be a better option for them.
Hernan Crespo tells Milan to pivot from Zirkzee
While United fans would be happy if Milan left Zirkzee for them, they’d be even happier to see that Crespo has recommended they buy Romelu Lukaku instead.
Crespo was interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport (quoted by Tuttomercatoweb), in which he said that Zirkzee is a signing more for the future while Lukaku brings proven experience.
He said succeeding at Bologna is different from handling expectations at Milan, something which Lukaku has experience with, having played for Inter and Roma.
Romelu Lukaku of AS Roma in action during the Serie A TIM match between AS Roma and FC Internazionale – Serie A TIM at Stadio Olimpico on February…
Although Lukaku cooled off at United after a fast start under Jose Mourinho, he rebuilt his reputation at Inter Milan.
It prompted Chelsea to splash nearly £100 million for him, a move that has turned out to be an unmitigated disaster.
He remains on their books but after spending two years on loan at Inter and AS Roma, they would be open to letting him leave.
Zirkzee is perfect for where United’s squad is at the moment
While Crespo’s statement makes sense from a United point-of-view as well, the reality is that Milan and United are at very different points of evolution in their squad.
Milan regularly is among the top contenders for the league title and have a nice mix of youngsters and veterans.
They have much more need of proven quality than United, who are building what is effectively a new squad with a refreshed core.
As such, going for a 23-year-old Zirkzee is the best option as they can afford to be patient with him as they were with Hojlund last season.
In fact, the Dutchman’s playing style means he can play with Hojlund as well, instead of in his place, as he combined great strength and verticality with underrated passing and playmaking skills.
Most importantly in the context of the current window where United’s hands are tied due to Profit and Sustainability Rules, his price tag of £34 million (release clause), is an unmissable opportunity for United.
Perhaps Crespo is onto something here! Milan get proven quality with experience of playing in top sides in Italy, United get a project player with potential who can grow with their young core.