‘Not very effective’ – Dutch pundit fears for Manchester United star under Ruben Amorim

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·18 novembre 2024

‘Not very effective’ – Dutch pundit fears for Manchester United star under Ruben Amorim

The pressure is on Joshua Zirkzee to start performing at Manchester United.

After a perfect start saw him score the winner on his competitive debut against Fulham, Zirkzee has been unable to find of the back of the net since then.

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United were tipped with signing a new striker in the summer before Zirkzee arrived. Most fans would have preferred a player with an eye for goal to challenge Rasmus Hojlund for a place in the team.

However, Zirkzee doesn’t look like a forward with an eye for goal. He has positive traits such as his hold-up play to link up with fellow attackers, but United need someone to put the ball in the onion bag.

The Netherlands international wasn’t renowned for being prolific in Italy before his move to Old Trafford. Zirkzee scored 11 goals in 34 Serie A games as Bologna qualified for the Champions League.

Growing fears for Joshua Zirkzee at Manchester United

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Nobody can blame Zirkzee for being short on confidence after such a slow start to life at United, where expectations are high. It doesn’t help that the team has been struggling for form.

Zirkzee was left out of the Netherlands squad to face Hungary at the weekend and sat in the stands. It remains to be seen if he will be involved when they take on Bosnia & Herzegovina tomorrow night.

Former Ajax star Wim Kieft was on punditry duty when he explained why he fears for Zirkzee and his future at Old Trafford.

Kieft told Voetbal Primeur: “You have to fear for Joshua Zirkzee at Manchester United.

“He was brought in by Erik ten Hag, has scored few goals and is a bit lacking. Now comes the new man, Ruben Amorim. If he also judges that it all looks a bit light and is not very effective, it will be difficult for Zirkzee.”

Amorim’s arrival shouldn’t change anything for Zirkzee, who still needs to prove himself at United. That would be the case if Ten Hag was still in charge.

Zirkzee has been linked with a return to Italy in recent weeks. Juventus are said to be interested in a deal after missing out on his signature in the summer.