Long-linked United target deemed ‘special’ by his manager reacts to Joshua Zirkzee’s Old Trafford switch

We’re all aware at this stage that Erik ten Hag often prefers to recruit players at Manchester United that he’s either previously coached in his career or those who come from his native Netherlands. 

Joshua Zirkzee was just another to add to the list when his transfer was officially announced on Sunday, and should Matthijs de Ligt’s move materialise, the Dutchman will join the ex-Ajax contingent of Antony, Andre Onana and Lisandro Martinez.

As such, fans weren’t surprised to see Netherlands international Jeremie Frimpong linked with the Reds as soon as Ten Hag took the reins in 2022. United have never made the moves to accelerate their interest despite holding talks with his agent in 2023.

A year later, in April 2024, Florian Plettenberg revealed that the club were considering reigniting their pursuit due to the attack-minded fullback having a £35 million release clause embedded into his contract.

It came as Frimpong was seeing out an emphatic campaign for Bayer Leverkusen in which he was crowned an invincible Bundesliga champion and DFB Pokal winner, contributing a remarkable 14 goals and 12 assists in all competitions along the way.

It remains to be seen if United will finally take the steps to hash out a deal for him – although it would presumably hinge on whether Aaron Wan-Bissaka departs Manchester in the coming weeks, with Diogo Dalot undoubtedly Ten Hag’s preferred option on the right side of defence.

Nonetheless, Frimpong, whom Xabi Alonso once hailed as a ‘special’ talent, was among those reacting to Zirkzee becoming a Red over the weekend. Both players had featured – albeit sporadically – at Euro 2024 together.