Manchester United fans are convinced that one player can bring out the best potential in Joshua Zirkzee after the striker’s heroics against Arsenal in the FA Cup.
The Red Devils kicked off their FA Cup campaign on Sunday afternoon and 10-man Manchester United clinched a stunning win over their Premier League rivals.
Ruben Amorim’s men took the lead in the second half at the Emirates after Bruno Fernandes broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute of the third-round tie.
However, United faced a major setback in the 61st minute after Diogo Dalot picked up his second booking and the Red Devils full-back was sent off.
Arsenal took advantage of United going down to 10 men after Gunners star Gabriel beat Red Devils ‘keeper Altay Bayindir to pull Arsenal level in the 63rd minute.
United held their nerve after conceding to Arsenal and losing Diogo Dalot, with the Red Devils playing out a 1-1 scoreline until the full-time whistle.
Neither Arsenal nor United could break the deadlock in extra-time and the FA Cup clash had to be settled with a penalty shootout.
Zirkzee shows strong signs for Man Utd
Manchester United punched their ticket to the fourth round of the FA Cup after a 5-3 win over Premier League rivals Arsenal during the penalty shootout.
All of the Red Devils’ spot-kick takers converted at the Emirates on Sunday, while Altay Bayindir produced his heroics by denying Kai Havertz’s penalty.
United, who won the FA Cup trophy in 2024 under Erik ten Hag, will now face Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City at Old Trafford in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench in the second half and replaced United striker Rasmus Hojlund, with the Dutch forward making his mark against Arsenal.
The 23-year-old Netherlands international has faced heavy criticism in his debut season at United since his move from Serie A outfit Bologna in summer 2024.
However, Zirkzee was lively in the late stages of the second half and during extra-time, with the United striker later converting from the spot-kick during penalties.
Man Utd fans react to Zirkzee vs Arsenal
United fans on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, praised Zirkzee for his strong showing in the start of the Red Devils’ FA Cup trophy defence.
Red Devils supporters were quick to point out that Zirkzee, who has been heavily linked with Juventus, thrived with United winger Amad Diallo on the pitch.
Amad Diallo, who replaced Alejandro Garnacho in the second half, linked up superbly well with Zirkzee and the pair impressed under Ruben Amorim in attack.
“The way Ruben was smiling after that Zirkzee-Amad link-up,” one fan said.
Somebody else commented: “Zirkzee and Amad ball moving me deeply. Sit Hojlund for at least a month so I can see how far this can really go.”
“Amad and Zirkzee have been linking up so well,” another added.
While a fourth X user tweeted: “Apart from delaying that pass to Amad, Zirkzee has been incredible since coming on.”
A fifth wrote: “Amad and Zirkzee must be a part of our attack every week.”
“This is the first time I’ve ever been impressed by Joshua Zirkzee,” a sixth fan posted.
Another said: “Have been really impressed with Zirkzee, I really like his profile and how he plays.”
And an eighth wrote: “Zirkzee’s hold-up and link-up play [has] been outstanding today. I am impressed.”
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