Manchester United's new signing Joshua Zirkzee has reported for pre-season - but there's a twist

Joshua Zirkzee officially signed for Manchester United from Bologna on July 14.

Zirkzee's transfer was confirmed just four days after the Netherlands crashed out of the semi-finals of Euro 2024 and he travelled to Manchester to complete the formalities.

The obligatory signing photos were taken, Zirkzee was given a tour of Old Trafford and shown around Carrington. He conducted an interview with club media and once his signing day was complete the forward was given time off to enjoy a holiday before starting pre-season.

The early expectation was that Zirkzee would join up with his teammates for the first time for the last leg of the United States tour, but it was confirmed on Monday night that he'd reported to Carrington where he would build up his fitness instead of flying across the pond.

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United will play Real Betis in San Diego and Liverpool in Columbia this week and Zirkzee will miss those games, which is logical given he's only just building his base fitness again.

The majority of United's players who travelled to the USA reported for pre-season at the earliest date possible and had the benefit of a few weeks of training under their belts.

The first day of pre-season involved routine fitness tests and Zirkzee completed those on Monday, which is why it makes sense for him not to join up with the rest of the squad.

United have left behind a skeleton first-team staff at Carrington - around 125 club employees are on the USA trip - and Zirkzee will get up to speed by completing individual work.

Fortunately for Zirkzee, the sun has finally arrived in Manchester after a wet summer and