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Man Utd Strikers Zirkzee and Højlund Embrace Competition Ahead of 2025/26 Season

Man Utd forwards Zirkzee and Højlund ready to embrace increased competition for striking roles.

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Manchester United forwards Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund are gearing up positively for the increased competition for attacking roles this season. The club anticipates Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo will operate as split No. 10s in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, with Benjamin Šeško likely to feature as a No. 9, challenging Højlund directly. Zirkzee’s strengths have been noted in playing deeper roles.

Speaking ahead of the season, Zirkzee expressed confidence despite missing pre-season due to injury. “I’m very confident, everyone’s very confident. We’ve got competition, so whichever position the coach needs me is the position I’ll play—if that’s as a No. 10 or a striker, it’s no different,” he said. He added that the coach’s trust is unwavering and views competition positively: “If another striker were to come, I guess it’s only good competition, so I’m not really worried. [Cunha and Mbeumo] are two great players. We’re for the team and that’s what we’re all about. We just want the team to be good.”

Zirkzee’s debut Premier League goal came last August in a win over Fulham, yet his final tally of five goal contributions was below his previous season’s 16 in Serie A for Bologna. He acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “I just know that me and Rasmus can do better and have to do better… The manager wants goals, so that’s what I have to work on. That’s what it all comes down to. In the end, if you’re up top, you’re supposed to score goals.”

Højlund arrived in summer 2023 impressing with 16 goals overall but struggled in the 2024–25 season, netting only four Premier League goals amidst fitness issues, scarce service, and confidence challenges. Linked with a possible transfer, he affirmed his commitment to fight for his place: “My plan is very clear, that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens.” He welcomed competition as a motivating force: “Competition is fine with me. It sharpens me. I’m more than ready. I’m feeling sharp so I welcome everything that comes.”

The Danish striker reflected on his youth and development curve, stating, “I’m still very young. People forget that sometimes. I’m only 22. Not every striker scores 100 goals by that age.”

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Positive Recovery Signs for Manchester United’s Injured Trio During Pre-Season

Manchester United receive promising fitness updates on Zirkzee, Onana, and Martínez ahead of 2025/26.

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Manchester United have received encouraging updates regarding the fitness of three key players ahead of the 2025/26 season. Joshua Zirkzee, André Onana, and Lisandro Martínez are all progressing in their recoveries, raising hopes for their availability as the campaign approaches.

Zirkzee described his injury as “a small injury” and remains optimistic about a swift return. “It shouldn’t take too long to recover now,” he told the media. He praised the support from the club’s medical team, saying, “I’ve got great physios working with me every day. It’s not a serious problem. It’s pre-season so unlike last season where I wanted to push myself to be back for the final, obviously now I just want to be there for the start of the season.”

Goalkeeper André Onana, initially expected to miss the first month of the Premier League season, might recover sooner than anticipated. Reports indicate he could be fit by August 9, in time for a friendly against Fiorentina at Old Trafford.

Defender Lisandro Martínez’s recovery is less advanced following his ACL rupture in February. However, he is now working with the ball and running on grass as he builds towards training with the team. Zirkzee cited Martínez as an inspiration during his own rehabilitation: “Someone who has motivated me a lot is Lisandro Martínez who has been out for quite some time. To see how mentally he keeps himself ready and the way he works to be back in the best way he can is something I’m thankful for.”

The trio’s return is a bright spot for Manchester United, who endured a difficult previous season, including a painful Europa League final loss and their worst Premier League campaign to date. Manager Amorim remains optimistic, declaring in May, “The good days are coming,” following a period of adversity.

These updates offer renewed hope for United fans as the team prepares for the new season with a focus on rebuilding and resilience.

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Jadon Sancho Willing to Accept Major Wage Cut for Possible Return to Borussia Dortmund

Jadon Sancho is prepared to cut his wages significantly to return to Borussia Dortmund and revive his career.

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Jadon Sancho is reportedly ready to accept a significant reduction in his salary to facilitate a move back to Borussia Dortmund. After two unremarkable seasons in the Premier League, the winger sees returning to Dortmund as the best chance to recapture his earlier form. Previously, Juventus showed interest in signing Sancho but had to put their pursuit on hold due to other transfer dealings. Meanwhile, Dortmund are once again considering bringing Sancho back to Signal Iduna Park, where he originally made his mark between 2017 and 2021 and impressed during a loan spell in early 2024.

Sancho currently earns a net salary of €16 million at Manchester United but is willing to halve his wages to around €8 million to secure a third stint with Dortmund. This amount would not place him among the club’s highest-paid players but highlights his determination to revive his career in a familiar environment. The winger has communicated this intention to Dortmund officials, although the club’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, has downplayed the likelihood of such a transfer so far.

Interest from Juventus remains more tangible, but if Dortmund pursue the deal, Sancho is expected to favour a return to Germany. The player first joined Dortmund from Manchester City’s academy in 2017, making 137 appearances that yielded 50 goals and 57 assists before his £73 million move to Manchester United in 2021. His output since moving to England has been modest by comparison, with only 17 goals and 16 assists combined during his time at both United and Chelsea. Sancho aims to find the confidence that once made him a top Bundesliga talent.

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Manchester United Restricts Printing of Ronaldo, Cantona, and Beckham Names on 2025-26 Shirts

Manchester United fans cannot print Ronaldo, Cantona, or Beckham on 2025-26 shirts due to licensing.

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Manchester United supporters eager to purchase the club’s 2025–26 home and away shirts have encountered an unexpected restriction. Despite anticipation around adidas’s new designs, fans will find they cannot officially print the names of three iconic No. 7s—Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, and David Beckham—on replica jerseys from the club shop.

A notice at United’s Old Trafford Megastore explains that “Due to licensing restrictions, we are unable to print Cantona, Beckham, and Ronaldo.” The underlying reason is that all three former players hold their own image rights. This arrangement prevents the club from authorizing their names for printing on the new kits.

This policy limits supporters to choosing from other current or former players when personalizing shirts. New arrivals like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, along with captain Bruno Fernandes, are expected to be popular alternatives.

While the trio remain legendary figures in the club’s history, their individual image rights ownership means fans must look elsewhere for official name printing on the latest Manchester United jerseys.

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