Manchester United are still looking for a goalscoring striker – but even without goals, Joshua Zirkzee’s contribution was appreciated.
Since Cristiano Ronaldo left, Manchester United have signed three strikers. Wout Weghorst signed on loan, he scored only two goals. Rasmus Hojlund followed at big expense, and Joshua Zirkzee joined in the summer.
As we reach the third international break of 2024/25, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have combined to score just three goals this season.
Questions in particular are being asked about Zirkzee, who has not netted since the opening game.
Matthijs de Ligt praises Joshua Zirkzee
Rasmus Hojlund started for Manchester United against Leicester, once again failing to get on the scoresheet, and he was substituted in the 75th minute.
Joshua Zirkzee came on for the final 15, and was on the pitch as Alejandro Garnacho scored to make it 3-0, minutes later.
Speaking after the game to MUTV, Zirkzee’s international teammate Matthijs de Ligt picked him out for praise, pointing out that he freshened up the attack at a crucial time.
De Ligt explained: “A big complement to Josh when he came in, off the ball perfect. He gave us so much breath.”
The Dutchman felt Zirkzee was able to help United retain possession more, crucial when the team is already leading and looking to keep the game steady, and just slow it down a little.
Different game scenarios will call for different attributes, but Zirkzee had a positive impact on proceedings against Leicester.
He even had a role in Garnacho’s third, with his presence on the left of the box just drawing the attention of the Leicester defence enough to give the winger enough time and space to cut in and shoot from the edge of the box.
Wait for goals continues
De Ligt will also be trying to lift Zirkzee’s confidence, knowing his teammate is now without a goal since mid-August.
At a club like Manchester United, the wait for a goal becomes a real weight on a striker, and Zirkzee will be no different, despite his perfect start.
Zirkzee can offer a lot to United in other ways, he can be an ideal link player between the other forwards, but it’s still quite a little unclear where he best fits into the starting XI.
He is a poser for new boss Ruben Amorim to figure out. Van Nistelrooy selected him in the cup game against Leicester as a starter, before dropping him to the bench for the following three matches.
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