Joshua Zirkzee’s Pre-Season Physique, One Year After Joining Man Utd 'Overweight'

 Joshua Zirkzee’s remarkable new physique has caught the eye of those hoping Manchester United will be far more clinical in front of goal during the 2025/26 Premier League season. The Dutchman, signed from Bologna for £36 million last summer, managed just three league goals in his debut campaign.

But the 24-year-old wasn’t alone in facing criticism - United’s frontline as a whole struggled, registering the third-fewest goals among teams that avoided relegation. Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund also struggled with profligacy, often leaving Bruno Fernandes to pick up all the pieces. This summer’s recruitment has reflected that weakness, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha added in hopes of delivering a more prolific term.

However, with no new out-and-out striker through the door - after losing out on Viktor Gyökeres to rivals Arsenal - the Red Devils may have to rely on their current options unless they can seal another deal before the transfer window closes on September 1. Still, given Zirkzee’s impressive transformation, that might not be such bad news after all.

Joshua Zirkzee Shows Off Stunning New Physique

The Dutchman looks like he could mean business

Immediately after joining the Red Devils last summer, Zirkzee’s then-manager Erik ten Hag expressed frustration over the striker arriving to training overweight, according to a report from the Sun. The issue became even more apparent on the pitch, as he often looked sluggish - almost as if he were running through custard whenever he was bearing down on goal.

A shadow of the player who impressed in Serie A, Zirkzee clearly took the criticism from both his manager and supporters to heart. Over the past week, he’s returned to Carrington sporting a noticeably transformed physique. See below:

Naturally, as was the case with Casemiro's recent glow-up, the image has sparked a wave of optimism among the Old Trafford faithful. "People underestimate big Zirkz. I said a while back that he’d be lighter, faster and fitter this season," one X user remarked, adding:

"He’s now achieved that, and he’s got the IQ to play wherever he’s needed in that front three. I love watching him dribble and link play."

A second user made a bold prediction: "He's going to perform better than Mbeumo this season," while a third wrote: "I expect great things from him this season." Elsewhere, a fourth continued: "LEAN FC", while a fifth concluded: "He's getting ready to cook."

Ruben Amorim’s side couldn’t have a trickier start to the Premier League season than a visit from Arsenal on August 17. A home clash with Burnley at Old Trafford offers a brief breather between tough away trips to Fulham and Manchester City, as they look to improve on their worst-ever campaign since the league’s 1992 rebranding.