Erik ten Hag is hopeful new signing Joshua Zirkzee can learn from Manchester United icon and coach Ruud van Nistelrooy as the new season nears.

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• Zirkzee signed from Bologna
• Will train under compatriot Van Nistelrooy
• Ten Hag hopes he learns from ex-striker

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Zirkzee swapped Bologna for United at the weekend, signing a five-year deal for £36 million ($46m). He now links up with compatriots in manager Ten Hag and new assistant boss Van Nistelrooy – who scored 150 goals for the Red Devils between 2001 and 2006. The 23-year-old has been urged to learn from ex-striker Van Nistelrooy ahead of the new season.

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• WHAT TEN HAG & ZIRKZEE SAID

  The exchange between the pair goes:

  Ten Hag: "Are you hungry?"

  Zirkzee: "Of course!"

  Ten Hag: "Ruud [van Nistelrooy] is waiting for you."

  Zirkzee: "Yes, I just saw him here."

  Ten Hag: "Hopefully you can learn something from him. He has scored a goal or two."

  Zirkzee: "Quite a few goals, yes."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite winning the FA Cup, United had an underwhelming season last term as they finished eighth in the Premier League. Nevertheless, the Red Devils are making positive strides ahead of the new campaign. Following the signing of Zirkzee, United are inching closer to Lille centre-back Leny Yoro in a statement of intent from Ten Hag's team.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Now that Zirkzee – who snubbed the chance to join AC Milan – is at United, he could feature for the club in their pre-season games against Rangers on Saturday, Arsenal on July 27, Real Betis on July 31, and Liverpool on August 3.

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Category: News