Joshua Zirkzee was Manchester United’s best performing senior player against Rosenborg, but his pre-season shouldn’t alter Ineos’ summer plans.
In Manchester United’s 5-0 thrashing of Rosenborg, Joshua Zirkzee was arguably the standout ‘senior’ player on the pitch with a goal and an assist.
Zirkzee’s performance was a big positive for United, demonstrating the player he can be on his best day, with his goal a work of art as he beat two defenders and then the goalkeeper with skill – finishing into an open net.
It was a really impressive outing for Zirkzee, one which saw supporters shocked by how sharp he looked. But it is important that United’s decision makers don’t use this performance as evidence he should be given another Premier League season to turn his United career around.
Joshua Zirkzee’s goal was sensational! What did you learn from his performance vs Rosenborg?
His best moment in a United shirt?
Joshua Zirkzee’s pre-season heroics can’t sway Manchester United
Make no mistake about it, the version of Zirkzee that was in action for United on Friday against Rosenborg was eye-catching, but it doesn’t mean he has turned a corner.
Zirkzee has always been better against European sides, which is a less physical and intense challenge for him. In the Premier League though, Zirkzee is swallowed up and struggles.
Perhaps Zirkzee will be viewed as a Champions League option, but with Juventus reportedly keen on the Dutchman, Ineos can’t turn away from a potential sale based on pre-season appearances.
In two seasons Zirkzee simply hasn’t shown enough and no amount of quality during pre-season should change this.
United can’t afford to be reactionary, instead Zirkzee’s magic in pre-season should simply be used to try and improve the position of the club in negotiations.
Pre-season is a terrible way to judge players, think back to Andreas Pereira and his ‘Pre-season Pirlo’ moniker. How United react to Zirkzee’s performances will be a bit of a litmus test to gauge whether they are truly going to be ruthless enough to push for a league title.
Keeping Zirkzee would be a big no in response to this question.
Ineos need to reach this conclusion, otherwise it could spell bad news for the rest of the window.
What is your INSTANT REACTION as Manchester United beat Rosenborg 5-0
Who impressed you most and why?
Manchester United need a true number nine to back-up Benjamin Sesko
Zirkzee could go to Serie A and become a sensation again, which he probably will, but that doesn’t mean United should be looking to retain the Dutchman.
Instead, the injury to Benjamin Sesko this summer and at the end of last season shows United need a back-up striker who could just as easily play a bulk of minutes across all competitions as and when needed.
Nicolo Tresoldi is a potential option for this, young, dynamic and is a player with traits similar to Sesko, making him a suitable striker for the Premier League.
Zirkzee would be fine in Europe but United can’t keep a player with value just for a few games a year. It is time to bite the bullet and replace him.
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