“Manchester United are pleased to confirm that Joshua Zirkzee has joined the club, subject to registration. The Dutch striker has signed a contract until June 2029, with an option to extend for another year. Zirkzee, the 2023/24 Serie A Under-23 Player of the Year, was Bologna FC’s top scorer last season, helping his side qualify for the UEFA Champions League. The 23-year-old Dutch international has already won six trophies during his time at Bayern Munich. proudly announced Manchester United last August. Wishing to strengthen its attack where Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund had alternated hot and cold, the English club beat AC Milan to the post to offer themselves one of the Serie A sensations in the person of Joshua Zirkzee. The former Bavarian had also cost 42.5 million euros to the Red Devils who had not skimped on the means to afford him.
And the debut was perfect for Joshua Zirkzee. Starting as a substitute against Fulham on the opening day, he scored on his debut to give his team a 1-0 victory. A valuable achievement to gain confidence that was not really going to last over time. Taking advantage of Rasmus Hojlund’s injury to start at the forefront at the start of the season, he made 17 appearances without scoring until December 1st against Everton where he saw double in a resounding 4-0 success. As for positive notes, that’s about it since this first part of the season in England is very complicated for the Dutch striker. Adapting poorly to the demands of the Premier League, Joshua Zirkzee has only four starts in the last thirteen Premier League matches. Losing his duel with Rasmus Hojlund – who has only scored 2 goals in the Premier League but also has 5 goals in the Europa League – Joshua Zirkzee is in the eye of the storm.
Joshua Zirkzee humiliated
Moreover, there is no mistake in Italy since his name has been actively coming up for several weeks on the side of Juventus where his former coach on the Bologna side Thiago Motta officiates. Not really in the plans of new coach Ruben Amorim who would have indicated to him that he was open to a departure, Joshua Zirkzee was also publicly reframed by the latter after his first match against Ipswich Town on November 24: “we attacked the area with two attackers at the end of the match. Josh needs to understand that he needs to get into the box so we can make crosses“. And the rag burned even more this Monday evening as Manchester United lost 2-0 against Newcastle. Starting in an unusual attacking midfield role behind Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee was taken off the field in the 32nd minute when the score was 2-0.
Furious, the player went straight to the locker room without greeting his coach and teammates. Sacrificed for this failed start individually and collectively, Joshua Zirkzee was also booed by Mancunian supporters during his exit. Manchester United legend and consultant for Sky SportsGary Neville, also supported him after the meeting: “I feel sorry for him. There is a human being behind who is undergoing this brutal treatment. I’ve been coming here for 43 years, and it’s rare. This club has become a graveyard for talented players. When Yoro, De Ligt, Ugarte and Zirkzee arrived, no one doubted their qualities. Yet here they seem worse.» Ruben Amorim’s explanation for his part is more pragmatic: “I had to think about the team, but also the player. We needed another midfielder to control the ball. It was a painful decision, but essential to convey a message.» In a crisis situation like his team, Joshua Zirkzee sinks a little deeper with the Red Devils. With his back against the wall, he will have to fight to get up or already think about an early departure…
