Manchester United were looking at alternative signings to Joshua Zirkzee until the last moment, a report has claimed.
Zirkzee became the first signing of the INEOS era at Old Trafford when he moved from Serie A side Bologna in a £36million deal.
The 23-year-old forward enjoyed a productive 2023/24 season with Bologna as his 11 goals and four assists from 34 appearances helped the club qualify for this season’s Champions League.
Zirkzee filled the gap in United’s attacking stocks left by Anthony Martial, who left the Red Devils as a free agent after nine years of service.
According to ESPN, Zirkzee was United’s primary choice to replace Martial, but they had two contingency plans ready in case a deal failed to materialise.
The report details how United’s new-look transfer committee of sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada would juggle multiple deals rather than complete one after the other.
Along with the pursuit of Zirkzee, United reportedly placed former Brentford star Ivan Toney and Lille’s Jonathan David on their transfer wish list.
However, the trio elected not to pursue a deal for Toney as they decided it was too costly.
The 28-year-old would later move from the Bees to Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli for £40m, with his contract worth an eye-watering £50m.
Although Zirzkee remained the priority, the report states a deal for David, who would have set United back an estimated £25.3m, was still active until the moment the Red Devils shook hands with Bologna.
David ultimately did not leave Lille in the summer despite being constant rumours about an exit.
As for Zirkzee, he got his United career off to a good start as he scored the winner in the club’s season opener against Fulham.
He produced a deft touch to turn home Alejandro Garnacho’s cross in what proved to the only goal of the game.
However, Zirkzee struggled in his first start up top for the Red Devils as they lost 3-0 to Liverpool.
He also had the misfortune of preventing a goal for United against Brighton when he touched Garnacho’s goal-bound strike from an offside position.
It proved to be a damaging blow as the Seagulls secured a late winner to beat United 2-1.
Zirkzee did manage to find the back of the net while on international duty as he scored in the Netherlands’ first in a 5-2 rout of Bosnia in the Nations League.
The 23-year-old will look to continue his goalscoring run when he returns to Premier League action with United on Saturday as they travel to Southampton.
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