Joshua Zirkzee shares what he told Kobbie Mainoo before signing for Manchester United

United have been chasing a striker this summer, looking for cover and competition for Rasmus Hojlund.

Joshua Zirkzee has clearly been the main target for some time and United looked to be closing in last week.

Dutch media have suggested that United will confirm the signing of Zirkzee once the Netherlands are knocked out of Euro 2024.

That moment arrived on Wednesday night, with England knocking out the Netherlands in the semi-finals.

Of course, United have been able to fast-track their Zirkzee deal since then and confirmed his arrival on Sunday in a £36million deal.

Joshua Zirkzee on Kobbie Mainoo chat

Zirkzee has been a clear target for United in recent weeks and set the language straight after that game in Holland.

The 6ft 4in striker was seen chatting with United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo on the pitch, leaving United supporters to believe they were discussing a potential transfer.

Zirkzee has now been asked about that meeting with Mainoo – and confirmed the rumors in the process.

Speaking on Instagram, Zirkzee admitted Mainoo got straight to the point, asking if the striker would be heading to Old Trafford.

Zirkzee kept his answer pretty short and sweet, telling Mainoo he would see him soon, shortly after England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.

“He just asked me if I was coming,” Zirkzee said. “I said see you soon after the final!”

Mainoo will now have a break after being in action for England over the summer, starting the last four games for the Three Lions.

That means there may be a bit of a wait for Zirkzee in terms of linking up with Mainoo at United, but the pair are no doubt looking forward to playing together.

Zirkzee and Mainoo are part of Manchester United’s exciting future

This is just the first signing for United this summer and Ineos have a lot of work to do before they get a pat on the back.

Still, Zirkzee is a true talent at 23 and should have the best years of his career ahead of him.

11 goals in Serie A last season was a decent return but United invested in him hoping to see him develop into a star down the line.

United already have exciting talent for the future, with Mainoo, Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho leading the way.

Zirkzee is slightly older than that trio, but still has room to develop for the future, having played just 125 top-flight games in his career.

The hope is that Mainoo and Zirkzee will play regularly for United in years to come, with the pair no doubt able to look back on that meeting in Germany.

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