Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee transferred to Manchester United in the summer, but he has not yet managed to make an impact. Outgoing manager Erik ten Hag was not thrilled with his arrival and due to his poor physical condition he only gave him a chance in four Premier League games in which he scored one goal.
According to The Sun, Joshua Zirkzee was out of shape and reportedly overweight at the time he joined the Red Devils. The local media even referred to him as a “36 million flop”. Erik ten Hag was also skeptical, for whom the 23-year-old footballer did not become the first choice at the point of attack.
Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, who joined Manchester United this summer, had a successful start to his tenure in the Premier League, but then failed to make an impact. Under the leadership of Erik ten Haga, he does not have a stable place in the lineup and, moreover, it seems that he does not feel comfortable in the team. According to the Italian media, he wants to leave the club as soon as possible.
It took some time for the young striker to improve his physical condition. However, Ruud van Nistelrooy decided to give him a chance to fully demonstrate his skills. Joshua Zirkzee started in the starting line-up in both games under the leadership of the interim coach.
“Josh is a young player with great potential. He is a real number 9, he can combine well. When he gets the ball, he can be a playmaker. He showed it, for example, in the match against Crystal Palace, where he played excellently. It was one of his best performances,” Ruud van Nistelrooy recalls the match at the end of September, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Joshua Zirkzee did not start in the starting line-up at that time, but in the 84th minute Erik ten Hag replaced him, Rasmus Hojlund went down.
🚨🗣️ Ruud van Nistelrooy:
“Joshua Zirkzee will be a great player for Man United. He has a lot of talent, good age.” 💪🌟 pic.twitter.com/WWkSqytJ14
— Football Newz (@FootballNewzIG) November 3, 2024
“He is at an ideal age and still has a lot of room for improvement. We have to keep watching him and give him time. He’s only going to get better and eventually become a great player.” added the temporary coach of the English team, who will be replaced by Ruben Amorim on November 11.
Manchester United will meet Leicester City in the 11th round of the Premier League on Sunday. This will be the last game under the Dutch coach and it is likely that Joshua Zirkzee will get another chance to prove that he deserves a stable place in the team.
