Man Utd are approaching a new player who will not be stopped by Van Nistelrooy

Manchester United have had a number of incredible strikers play for the club over the years, but one that will always be a fan favorite is Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

The Dutch defender was known to be a monster in front of goal, someone who could be relied upon to put the ball in the back.

Now, 18 years after he left Old Trafford, he could still return to coaching, as United have approached him, according to Fabrizio Romano.

If the former United goalscorer were to return, it's fair to say he could have a huge impact on the rest of the team, but another potential new signing would benefit greatly from his training.

Man Utd want to sign a new striker

According to a report from the ii Paper newspaper, Man United is close to signing a contract with Joshua Zirkzee.

The center's progress is said to be 'making progress,' with the new center breaking ground this summer.

Other reports suggested that the 23-year-old had a £34m release clause in his current contract at Bologna, which United must activate.

However, they will not be alone in their pursuit of the Dutch ace, with many top clubs, including AC Milan, keen on securing his signature.

Why Zirkzee could be special under Van Nistelrooy

Despite being Bayern Munich's most respected striker in his youth, it was last season that Zirkzee showed his potential.

Starting up front in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the Dutch striker tore apart Serie A, playing 34 games, 32 of those coming from outside.

Throughout the league season, the number nine has scored 11 goals and provided four assists, but his overall profile is different.

If the two Dutch players were to join the Red Devils this summer, it would be fair to say that Zirkzee would be heavily influenced by Van Nistelrooy, not only because he knows what it takes to lead Man United but also because of his good coaching. ability.

During his time as head coach of PSV, the former United striker had a huge impact on his side's forwards, especially the likes of Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons, as you can see in the table above.

Why is this important? However, Zirkzee is already known to be a clinical coach, mainly due to his excellent xG of 9.01 last season, according to Sofascore, and composure is his main characteristic.

However, the reason football analyst Ben Mattinson says he has “high potential” is because of his complete profile, which allows him to combine well with his teammates and create something out of nowhere.

According to Sofascore, the Bologna ace created 11 big chances last season, as well as producing 1.3 key passes and 1.5 successful dribbles, proving that he has the potential to be more than a direct threat.

As evidenced by Van Nistelrooy's strikers playing at the highest level, the coach knows exactly how to develop talent, and with Zirkzee still having a lot of untapped potential, he can take him to the next level.

All in all, signing the Dutch duo could completely transform United's attack, and if Zirkzee can come anywhere close to what Van Nistelrooy had at Old Trafford as a player, he will be a very good player.