Unai Emery can unlock Man United forward at Aston Villa, these stats show why
Aston Villa are reportedly exploring a deal to sign Manchester United outcast Joshua Zirkzee.
The 25-year-old is available for transfer this summer after making just 26 appearances across all competitions last season.
The Netherlands international was named in the starting line-up in the Premier League just five times across the campaign, despite avoiding injury for almost all of it.
Zirkzee joined Man United from Bologna in a £35.8million deal in 2024 and has struggled to adapt to the Premier League in the seasons since.
Given Unai Emery's track record when working with strikers, however, a move to Villa could be exactly what the forward needs.
A potential move for Zirkzee may well hinge on the future of Ollie Watkins, who has asked to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Why Joshua Zirkzee could have more to offer
Man United signed Zirkzee off the back of a strong season for Bologna, in which he scored 11 goals in 34 Serie A appearances.
The former Bayern Munich talent netted seven in 49 appearances across all competitions in his first campaign in England, but did show some signs of promise.
Opportunities have only become more infrequent since, however, and Zirkzee may need to find a route out if he is to develop in the Premier League.
Villa would appear a perfect destination, and there are signs that the striker could be a smart signing.
The 25-year-old appeared for just 608 minutes in the Premier League last season, and recorded some eye-catching stats in that time.
Per 90 minutes, Zirkzee registered 0.44 expected goals, 3.7 shots and 1.63 chances created - matched by only six per cent of other strikers in the Premier League.
He also recorded 7.11 touches in the opposition box, 1.33 tackles, 2.81 recoveries and 5.92 duels won per 90 minutes, with his 55.6 per cent dribble success rate matched by just 10 per cent of the league.
Unai Emery's outstanding record with strikers
Zirkzee clearly needs much work to become the striker who could replace Watkins, but there are few better managers he could ask for than Emery.
The Spaniard has worked with countless big name forwards, improving them and evoking huge returns.
Edinson Cavani, Kevin Gamerio, David Villa, Roberto Soldado, Gerard Moreno, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are just some of those to thrive under his watch.
Zirkzee could be the next, yet it remains to be seen whether he is the chosen one for Villa this summer.