Ally McCoist thinks benched Man Utd player is better choice than summer signing because team ‘don’t play to his strengths’

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Manchester United are looking to have a better second half of the season. Ruben Amorim has been very clear that the team must improve.

The Red Devils have had barely anything to shout about so far.

Sitting 13th in the Premier League table and failing to set the world alight in the Europa League, United are in a mini-crisis.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
13	Man UtdManchester United	22	7	5	10	27	32	-5	26

And although Amorim has yet to make a signing since taking charge two months ago, the 39-year-old must work with what he’s inherited.

Unfortunately, one summer signing is struggling to impress, but that could be down to his teammates failing to get the best out of him.

Joshua Zirkzee’s Man United struggles laid bare

Joshua Zirkzee, who was one of Erik ten Hag’s final signings, joined and was expected to be a good technical addition. Things haven’t gone to plan yet though.

Not only was the 23-year-old booed off the Old Trafford pitch earlier in the season, but his performances since, including a disappointing display during United’s 2-1 win against Rangers on Thursday, have failed to change opinions.

Named in Amorim’s starting lineup to play Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday, Zirkzee was asked to lead the line. He didn’t register a single shot on target in the first half though.

And speaking about the underperforming Dutchman as the players were heading down the tunnel, Ally McCoist explained why he thinks Rasmus Hojlund is a better striking option.

“Zirkzee needs the ball into his feet,” he said on TNT Sports.

“My problem with Zirkzee is Hojlund gives you the option of spinning in behind.

” […] They’re not playing to Zirkzee’s strengths. And that’s one reason why I think, if I’m Ruben Amorim, I’m changing it at half time, or certainly after the hour mark, and bringing on an out and out centre forward.”

It’s impossible to disagree with McCoist’s assessment. Zirkzee had a poor first 45 minutes but none of his teammates helped him.

Rasmus Hojlund time

His price tag is huge. The pressure on him is huge. No one is doubting that.

But having made just 12 Premier League starts this season, it’s fair to say Hojlund, who is averaging a goal every 523 minutes, hasn’t had a tonne of chances.

He was given the last 10 minutes against Rangers but that wasn’t enough time to stamp his authority on the match.

The only way the Denmark International can improve is to play more. Game time will help consistency and consistency should produce results.

Zirkzee isn’t a bad player, but McCoist is right — he can’t lead United’s line and if Amorim’s system doesn’t allow for a shadow striker then it’s hard to see where the former Bologna man fits in.