Manchester United centre-forward Joshua Zirkzee(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has congratulated 19-year-old Ethan Williams after the winger bagged his first goal for the Reds’ senior team against AFC Bournemouth.

In the torrential rain in Chicago, United put the Cherries to the sword with Rasmus Hojlund and Patrick Dorgu scoring before half-time to hammer home their authority. After the break, Amad made it three before Williams capped off a pleasing day for Ruben Amorim’s side to make it 4-0.

Matthijs de Ligt’s late own goal did not dampen the spirits of United, especially teenager Williams, who made his first real mark in the senior squad. Celebrating his achievement, centre-forward Zirkzee took to Instagram to share a post of the winger celebrating with a love heart next to it – a nice touch from the senior professional.

Joshua Zirkzee sends a message to Manchester United youngster Ethan Williams

This came as captain Bruno Fernandes also congratulated Williams on his achievement. The teenager has yet to make a competitive appearance for the United senior team and was at risk of not going to the States this summer.

Last season, he spent the second half of the campaign on loan at League Two’s Cheltenham Town. In Gloucestershire, Williams scored two goals and bagged two assists in 17 appearances before returning to the north west.

Fernandes also sent a message to Williams following his first goal for Manchester United(Image: brunofernandes8 / Instagram)

According to talkSPORT, there was an indication that United were going to try and loan Williams to a League One club in the summer window to continue his development. But, Amorim decided at the last minute that he wanted to take a closer look at him on tour.

Williams moved into the United youth system in 2019 after beginning his career with Rochdale. Williams will be hoping he can make another impact on Sunday when the Reds’ pre-season tour ends with a clash against Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

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