Three ways Manchester United could line up if they seal Joshua Zirkzee transfer

Manchester United are reportedly close to wrapping up a deal for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

United want to strengthen their attacking options this summer and they have settled on Zirkzee as a prime candidate to bolster that area of the team. According to The Athletic, United are currently 'working to finalise' a deal for the 23-year-old.

Zirkzee, who joined Bologna in 2022, scored 12 goals in 37 appearances for the Italian club last season. He was also a late addition to the Netherlands squad for the European Championship, where he made his senior debut for his country on Saturday, helping them reach the semi-finals.

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Following the exit of Anthony Martial, Rasmus Hojlund is currently United's only recognisable out-and-out centre-forward. The Dane was unable to lean on a dependable level of support up front last term with Martial missing large chunks of the season through injury.

United, however, have greased their wheels in an attempt to change that, identifying Zirkzee as the ideal fit to strengthen Erik ten Hag's attacking options. An all-action forward, the Dutchman would bring a wealth of qualities to Old Trafford.

With that said, MEN Sport has picked out three prospective ways United could line up if they successfully get a deal for the Bologna ace over the line.

For almost all of his United premiership, Ten Hag has deployed a system that has featured just one out-and-out striker in a 4-3-3 formation. Hojlund was drafted in for an initial fee of £64million less than a year ago and is highly unlikely to lose his status as