Since sealing his £36.5 million move from Bologna, Joshua Zirkzee has endured the harsh reality of life in Manchester, with ample speculation the Dutch forward is considering a quickfire exit to enhance his future.
Unlike other Premier League clubs, new arrivals at Old Trafford are immediately set upon by a bloodthirsty media with a ruthless desire to generate any article-worthy agenda regardless of the damage it may cause.
His 19 appearances across domestic and European competition have yet to convince a disgruntled supporter base of his qualities despite predominantly featuring from the bench throughout his 811 minutes.
Such has been the outcry across social media and print regarding his lack of suitability that the 23-year-old is believed to want out – with several Italian clubs desperate to land last season’s Serie A Best Young Player award.
But following the arrival of Ruben Amorim and his exciting new philosophy, many feel the former Bayern Munich forward can complement the Portuguese tactician in his new-look system.
This thought process was highlighted emphatically with a brace during a starring performance in a 4-0 mauling of Everton.
However, Laurie Whitwell claims that Manchester United officials are seriously considering recouping their money in the summer should Zirkzee not regularly recapture the sparkling form that starred in Bologna’s run to Champions League football.
Past, present and future
Thiago Motta cemented his name in Rossoblu folklore with an unlikely return to elite European competition following a memorable 2023-24 campaign.
Central to his success was his starring forward Zirkzee, with his 19-goal contributions painting a small portion of the picture.
Endless graft, ferocious tenacity and an uncompromising work ethic sent fear into the hearts of Italian defenders as his consistency earned endless plaudits and interest from across the continent.
The deep-lying forward was integral in attacking phases through his link-up and complementary play with marauding midfielders and overlapping wide players.
However, his work rate in the final third shone front and centre through several standout metrics, leaving Motta to crave a Juventus reunion with the player.
It remains unclear whether former manager Erik ten Hag or the Ineos best-in-class hierarchy sanctioned the move for Zirkzee.
Many supporters argued that his style was unsuited for the Theatre of Dreams and failed to nail the brief of an out-and-out goalscoring centre forward.
However, his debut on an opening-day meeting against Fulham returned an 87th-minute winner, sending the Stretford End into joyous celebrations alongside their new number 11.
As we know, a troublesome individual period corresponded with a well-documented capitulation at the home of the 20-time English champions, with the new arrival restricted to underwhelming cameo appearances while cutting a disgruntled figure in the process.
Limited playing time continued following the departure of Ten Hag, with interim chief Ruud van Nistelrooy opting only to utilise the forward for a heavily-rotated EFL Cup tie against Leicester.
Inevitably, widespread reports of unrest and a desire to return to Italy surfaced, with many of the Old Trafford faithful in agreement that it was best to admit fault and recoup the meagre transfer fee paid during the summer.
Nevertheless, Amorim’s arrival signalled the birth of a new style in the North West, with two deeper forwards operating behind a sole striker.
There are multiple avenues within the framework of this structure, but the individual responsibilities of an attacking trio are tailor-made for the Schiedam native.
With the deep-lying duo sitting behind the number nine, a fundamental requirement to backtrack in defence will offer mid-range options to bypass an often decoyed central line.
This, in turn, maximises the space created from the initial build-up, and as we saw against Everton, promotes multiple waves of attacking threat and transition that embrace the abilities of this unique forward.
“He is a talented player,” Amorim told Sky Sports after his side’s 4-0 victory.
“I think we need the characteristics for this game – the characteristics of Josh. They have two central backs – very strong in the air – and I want one more technical that can reach the ball in different areas.
“It’s just an idea, let’s see the result.”
As you know, the football world is fickle, with contrasting opinions and a daily cog that turns and churns the most unthinkable of narratives.
I have seen people write Zirkzee off after his 45-minute display against Brighton in August, and it is a similar story with the likes of Andre Onana.
There is a need and a desire to point the finger of blame whenever possible instead of backing your own and supporting individuals during difficult periods.
If you didn’t follow Bologna’s magical journey throughout 2023-24, it is unlikely that you are aware of what this boy is capable of when confident and playing a set system.
He is technically savvy, intelligent and capable of the magnificent.
A total of 19 cameo appearances is a drop in the ocean for a professional footballer. His Everton performance is only a sample of what is to come.
How do you feel about Joshua Zirkzee under Ruben Amorim at Manchester United?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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