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Former Manchester United star Lee Sharpe has chosen a rather unexpected name when asked which player he would most have liked to play with.

Manchester United currently have a squad packed with exciting talent.

Club captain Bruno Fernandes was arguably the Premier League's best player last season, while new arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have settled in well. Marcus Rashford, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba could also bring plenty of added quality to Michael Carrick's side this season.

Even so, when FourFourTwo asked Lee Sharpe which current Manchester United star he would have loved to share the pitch with, he did not pick any of those names.

“Joshua Zirkzee is one of my favourite players to watch,” Sharpe said in a somewhat surprising answer when asked which current Red Devils player he would have liked to line up alongside.

“His ability on the ball is phenomenal: in tight areas, he's got great feet and the ability to go past people.

I'm surprised they didn't play him a bit more or give him a chance at the weekend against Hull. It was tight and they needed goals, after all.”

“Surprised you didn't say Bruno,” FourFourTwo asked.

“Well, I really like Kobbie Mainoo, too,” Sharpe replied. “Mainoo is a top player as well.” Fair enough!

Zirkzee joined Old Trafford two years ago during Erik ten Hag's spell as manager and made an excellent start by scoring on the opening day of the 2024/25 season against Fulham. However, he has struggled to nail down a regular first-team spot since then.

The emergence of Cunha, Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko restricted the Dutch forward to only 26 appearances in all competitions last term, with just two goals to his name, both of them coming under Carrick's predecessor Ruben Amorim.

Zirkzee has been linked with a move away from United this summer, with Rashford returning from loan to challenge for a starting place.

The Red Devils also have players such as Mason Mount and Patrick Dorgu competing for attacking roles.

According to Transfermarkt, Zirkzee is valued at €20m. United return to Premier League action next weekend against Ipswich Town.