Man Utd fans all saying same thing about Joshua Zirkzee after performance vs Crystal Palace, ‘madness’ claim is made

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United fans wasted no time reacting to Joshua Zirkzee’s performance in the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Joshua Zirkzee arrived at Old Trafford in July after Manchester United signed the Netherlands striker in a deal worth £36.54m from Serie A outfit Bologna.

The 23-year-old Dutch forward made an instant impact on his United debut after he came off the bench and scored a late winner against Fulham at Old Trafford.

Following on from the 1-0 victory against Fulham, Zirkzee made a second-half cameo appearance in the 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the Amex in August.

The Netherlands international made his first Premier League start against Liverpool and failed to find the back of the net in the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford this month.

Zirkzee made his second United start in the 3-0 win over Southampton at the St Mary’s last Saturday after the end of the September international break.

The former Bologna man failed to find the back of the net against Southampton, but United manager Erik ten Hag kept faith with Zirkzee for the Crystal Palace match.

READ MORE: Man Utd fans told they won’t ‘see as much’ of one Erik ten Hag signing this season after ‘few obvious’ moments

Zirkzee starts vs Crystal Palace

Joshua Zirkzee secured more first-team minutes earlier this week after he came off the bench in Tuesday’s 7-0 drubbing of Barnsley at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup.

Erik ten Hag has relied on Manchester United summer signing Zirkzee as his main striking option after Rasmus Hojlund suffered an injury on the pre-season tour.

Rasmus Hojlund has missed the opening weeks of the season after he was forced off the pitch in the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Zirkzee was lively in his performance against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and the United striker was at the heart of linking up play in the attack.

However, the United star was unable to find the back of the net in his fifth Premier League match for the Red Devils.

Despite failing to score against Palace, Zirkzee’s teammates were also unable to capitalise on the Dutch forward’s passing opportunities into open spaces.

READ MORE: Rene Meulensteen is convinced former Man Utd star was ‘sort of let’ down by one major ‘thing’ during Old Trafford run

Man Utd fans react to Zirkzee’s performance

Ten Hag withdrew Zirkzee in the 61st minute and replaced the United summer signing with Marcus Rashford for the remainder of the Palace match.

United fans on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, praised Zirkzee for his superb link-up play during his time on the pitch.

Red Devils supporters labelled the Netherlands striker as “outstanding” for his link-up play and were baffled by Ten Hag’s decision to withdraw him in the second half.

“Taking Zirkzee off when he’s the only one that can link up play is madness,” one X user posted.

Another said: “Zirkzee should’ve stayed on, IMO, his link-up play again was class today. Should’ve had at least [two] assists.”

“Nah, Zirkzee’s link-up play has been outstanding yet again today. Someone has to finish off the chances he creates man,” someone else commented.

While a fourth tweeted: “Zirkzee’s link-up play has been amazing.”

And a fifth asked: “How many chances do we need? Zirkzee’s an amazing link-up player.”

“Zirkzee’s link-up play is unreal, [we] need to see him and Hojlund together,” another wrote.

An eighth simply said: “Zirkzee isn’t an out-and-out striker at all, but his link-up play is excellent.”