Few names have divided Manchester United fans quite like Paul Pogba. The towering French midfielder, who returned to Old Trafford in 2016 for a then-record £89m fee, was supposed to be the heartbeat of the team. Instead, his second stint was a rollercoaster of dazzling highs and frustrating lows, marred by injuries, transfer rumors, and unfulfilled potential.
Across six seasons, Pogba racked up 87 goal contributions in 233 appearances but never quite delivered on the immense promise that made him one of the world’s most sought-after talents. While Bruno Fernandes has embraced the role of United’s talisman, Pogba often appeared weighed down by expectations. His United journey fizzled out in 2022, culminating in an injury-riddled, controversy-laden departure. Now a free agent after a doping suspension, any whispers of a return to Old Trafford have been firmly dismissed.
But while Pogba’s chapter at United is firmly closed, the club may have unknowingly found his successor in Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch forward, signed for £36.5m from Bologna last summer, has already drawn comparisons to the Frenchman—not for his position, but for his playing style and physical presence.
Much like Pogba, Zirkzee made a name for himself in Serie A, earning the league’s Young Player of the Year award. And like his predecessor, the 6’4″ star has proven to be a versatile yet enigmatic talent. Initially brought in as a traditional number nine, he has instead thrived as one of Ruben Amorim’s dual playmakers. The Dutchman has already showcased his technical ability with key goals against Leicester City and Real Sociedad, yet questions about his pace and physicality persist.
Football analyst Charlie Parrish described Zirkzee as “admirably slow,” a trait that echoes Pogba’s own languid yet graceful movement across the pitch. Italian football expert Mina Rzouki also noted that his physique suggests he should be a more traditional striker, much like Pogba’s imposing frame suggested he should be a dominant midfield enforcer—something he never truly became.
Parrish even went as far as to say that Zirkzee “belongs to a different era,” reinforcing the idea that his style is reminiscent of a bygone generation of footballers. The question now is whether he can adapt and thrive in the high-intensity environment of the Premier League or if, like Pogba, he will remain a player whose immense talent is occasionally overshadowed by questions of consistency.
Unlike Pogba, Zirkzee has already won over fans with his work ethic and ability to make an impact. However, with a hefty price tag and lofty expectations, only time will tell if he will avoid the same fate as the man he’s so often compared to. One thing’s for sure—United fans will be watching closely.
