Zirkzee and Hojlund Fire Back as Man Utd's Striker Hunt Intensifies
Manchester United strikers Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund are both confidently welcoming the challenge that comes with heightened competition for starting positions this season.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who netted 15 and 20 Premier League goals respectively in 2024–25, have already joined for a total fee of £133.5 million ($176.2 million), while negotiations continue regarding the potential signing of Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig.
It's anticipated that Cunha and Mbeumo will feature together as dual No. 10s in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation, though both possess the flexibility for alternative positions. Šeško would function as a central striker, creating direct competition with Højlund, following Zirkzee's improved performances in a deeper role last campaign.
"I'm extremely confident, we're all extremely confident. We have competition, so whatever position the manager requires me to fill is where I'll play—whether that's as a No. 10 or striker, it makes no difference," Zirkzee explained to media, having missed pre-season action due to a recent injury.
"The manager understands me well and knows precisely what to do, and I have complete faith in the manager so I'm not concerned about that. I believe [competition] is inherent to being at this club. If another forward were to arrive, I suppose it's simply healthy competition, so I'm not particularly worried. [Cunha and Mbeumo] are two excellent players. We've witnessed that in training and we saw that last season too. We're committed to the team and that's our focus. We simply want the team to succeed."
Zirkzee found the net on his Premier League debut last August as United defeated Fulham in their season opener. However, his final tally of five goals and assists in the league was significantly below the 16 he achieved in Serie A for Bologna the previous season.
"I'm not here to determine what's fair and unfair, I just understand that Rasmus and I can improve and must improve. That's all I can comment on that," Zirkzee added. "The manager demands goals, so that's what I need to focus on. That's what it ultimately comes down to. At the end of the day, if you're playing up front, you're expected to find the net. I won't deny that reality."
Højlund had shown promise with 16 goals across all competitions when he initially joined from Atalanta in summer 2023. However, his 10 Premier League goals that season dropped to just four in 2024–25, following fitness struggles early on, insufficient service and a confidence crisis.
The Danish striker, whose playing time would be most directly impacted should Šeško or another forward be acquired, has been mentioned in transfer speculation this summer. However, currently that appears unlikely and, if anything, Højlund has indicated he would welcome competition and assistance.
"My intention is crystal clear, which is for me to remain and compete for my position, regardless of what occurs," he told media, having found the net in the Premier League Summer Series victory over Bournemouth.
"Competition suits me fine. It motivates me. I'm completely prepared. I'm feeling sharp so I embrace whatever comes my way. When I arrived, [Anthony] Martial was also here but he suffered many injuries, so I naturally had to handle much of the playing time.
"You won't convince me I shouldn't be playing because I want to feature in every match. But clearly I could have used some assistance in terms of sharing the workload somewhat, particularly initially.
"I remain very young. People sometimes overlook that. I'm only 22. Not every striker has scored 100 goals by that age," Højlund continued, perhaps subtly addressing early Erling Haaland comparisons.
"But I've gained significant experience, I think you can observe it in my play. I'm beginning to develop and improve even more in the fundamentals. Last season was difficult for all of us. I should have performed better, everyone realizes that. But it's also a collective matter. We're going to improve now. We are advancing in the correct direction and anticipating what lies ahead."