Robert Lewandowski sends message about ex-Bayern Munich teammate Joshua Zirkzee amid struggles at Manchester United
Former Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has opened up about former teammate Joshua Zirkzee amid his struggles at Manchester United. The Red Devils signed the Dutchman from Bologna in a deal worth reported £36.5 million but he has struggled to make an impact.
Zirkzee has only managed to find the back of the net once in 17 appearances for Manchester United while providing two assists. The Netherlands international has been labeled by many as the worst signing of the summer in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old was formerly teammates with Robert Lewandowski at Bayern Munich and the Poland international has nothing but praise for his former teammate. Having seen Zirkzee in his formative years, the now-Barcelona attacker believes that the Dutchman can be a great asset if used correctly.
On Rio Ferdinand Presents, Ferdinand asked Lewandowski regarding his views about the Manchester United attacker. The former Manchester United defender asked, as quoted by TBR Football:
"It’s funny you say that, about being a bit in between Zirkzee, who a lot of the fans, especially the Man United fans, who kind of listen and watch the pod, he said he’s a 9.5, 9.5. What type of player is he? Because a lot of people are asking the question, what type of player is Zirkzee? You played with him at Bayern Munich."
Lewandowski replied:
“He plays amazing with the back to the goal, you know, he can hold the ball, he can play with the one touches or two touches and bring the wingers to behind his back."
“He has also good finishing in the box because he’s big, you know, he’s young, but he’s big and I think he can keep the ball, hold the ball very, very strong. And of course, he needs a little bit of time, it’s normal if you join to this kind of club, big club, with huge expectations and he scored a lot of goals in Serie A."
Lewandowski insisted that Zirkzee is much beyond just a number nine and has a lot to offer apart from scoring goals. The Poland international added:
“So for him that was like the first season that he was involved, you know, as a typical striker. But you know, you know that now the time for in Manchester is not so brilliant time. I’m not laughing, but it’s true, you know, because this is the big team."
"But he’s the striker, he can really help teammates and the team if you know how to use him, you know, and also he can score the goals, but also he can, I think he’s not typical goal scoring striker, he’s also the player who can help the teammates to create the space for them.”
Zirkzee and Lewandowski only shared the pitch on seven occasions for Bayern Munich as the former was used as a deputy for the latter. Zirkzee enjoyed a brilliant season for Bologna last time out scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists in 37 games.
Manchester United intensify their pursuit for Bayern Munich star: Reports
Manchester United have reportedly intensified their chase for in-demand Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies. As reported by journalist Christian Falk (via mufcpmb on X), the Red Devils are currently leading the race for the Real Madrid and Barcelona target.
The Red Devils are reportedly prepared to offer Davies more than both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in wages. The 24-year-old looks destined to leave the Allianz Arena next summer on a free transfer with his current deal expiring in June 2025.
Davies has been one of the best attacking full-backs in Europe since joining Bayern Munich in 2018 from Vancouver Whitecaps FC. He has so far made 210 appearances for the Bavarian giants scoring 11 times while producing 34 assists for teammates.
