Ex-England manager Fabio Capello claims that Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has “struggled” since moving to Old Trafford earlier this summer.

Speaking to the Corriere Della Sera (quotes translated by Football Italia), Capello contrasted the Dutchman with Liverpool’s newest signing Federico Chiesa, who he believes will adapt quicker to the pace of English football:

“I think he [Chiesa] has the right pace to play in the Premier League, while I’ve noticed that Zirkzee is struggling because he thinks he can still play with Italian intensity.”

Zirkzee did score on his debut against Fulham after coming on as a substitute but he did miss two gilt-edged chances in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool before the international break.

The United striker needs to adapt

It shouldn’t be at all surprising that Zirkzee has taken his time to get used to life in the Premier League. As Capello says, the intensity is much higher.

On top of that, the pressure of playing for the Red Devils is completely different to what he was used to before his £36.5m switch from Bologna.

Signing players from abroad comes with risks

None of United’s summer signings are Premier League proven. Manuel Ugarte (Paris Saint-Germain), Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui (both Bayern Munich), Leny Yoro (Lille) and Zirkzee are all experiencing football in this country for the first time.

Some will find it easier than others to adapt and things won’t be made easier by the club’s poor start. After two defeats in the first three games, there is clamour from supporters to see improvement quickly.

It gives these players very little opportunity to settle into their new surroundings. Manager Erik ten Hag will be hoping (for his own sake) that most of these new additions can hit the ground running.

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here