Joshua Zirkzee is a big topic of discussion entering the new season at Manchester United.
One of the big Talking Points after Manchester United’s pre-season defeat to Wrexham was Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, who led the line in attack.
Zirkzee has struggled to convince for United during his first two years at the club, and his 45 minutes against Wrexham followed the same trend.
Is Zirkzee really capable of leading the line for United? He failed to threaten the target against Wrexham, and I completely understand the fan frustration with him.
I share the same concerns. But I also believe Zirkzee deserves the opportunity to use the next few weeks to his advantage to try and salvage his United career.
Zirkzee’s first pre-season
Entering his third year at the club, this is actually Joshua Zirkzee’s first pre-season.
- 2024: Signed in mid-July but had to join up later after Netherlands progress at the Euros
- 2025: Injury meant Zirkzee did not train or play any pre-season games on the club tour
- 2026: Ready from day one and plays his first ever Man Utd pre-season match
There is a chance, however small, that with proper preparation for the 2026/27 season, we could finally see the best of Joshua Zirkzee.
Over his past two seasons, we have only seen Zirkzee shine in glimpses. A small part of this could be attributed to a lack of momentum heading into the campaign. This will no longer be an excuse for the coming season.
His first pre-season game against Wrexham was slow, although the same could be said for his teammates. With five more pre-season matches ahead, we might see a different Zirkzee by time the Premier League season kicks off.
Zirkzee at least has a chance. He has a runway to set himself up to begin the season well. And if he can’t, then it really should be all over for him.
Name your biggest positive and biggest negative from Man Utd’s game vs Wrexham…
The stats showed how well Man Utd played vs Wrexham…
Ultimately, I want a new striker
Ultimately I still want Manchester United to sign another striker, irrespective of whether Zirkzee can find his best form. United need multiple goalscorers and there is currently no sign that Chido Obi is quite ready to step up. He will likely be sent out on loan.
United then need to sign another striker, who could jump ahead of Zirkzee in the queue – or completely replace him.
Even with improvement from Zirkzee, I just do not believe he has what it takes to lead the line as a central striker for United. He will never be a prolific goalscorer. His best position may be in another role.
There can still be room for Zirkzee too
Joshua Zirkzee did not get a lot of game time last season, but he should expect a little more in 2026/27 with extra competitions. He was used frequently as a substitute, often asked to try and keep possession and close out victories.
This is still a role Zirkzee could be utilised in. He is capable of playing as a deeper attacker, while United might even be tempted to play him out wide. As a utility forward, there could be something there for the Dutchman as a squad player.
Perhaps he could even establish himself in a fluid front three with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, two players who like to drift and move from wide positions into the centre, and he could interchange with them far more seamlessly than Sesko might be able to.
With Benjamin Sesko still dealing with an injury, United need ‘something’ from Zirkzee until another forward is signed.
It is important that he uses this pre-season launchpad to get up and running for the new campaign.
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