Joshua Zirkzee made an impressive debut as a Manchester United player, showcasing his ability to not only score goals but also contribute to the build-up play. While his first touch was simple and tidy, it was his intelligent off-ball movement and link-up play that caught the eye. Zirkzee dropped deep to create space for his teammates, allowing them to exploit the gaps in Fulham’s defense. This was evident in the build-up to United’s winning goal, where Zirkzee arrived late in the box to finish off a cross from Alejandro Garnacho.
Although Zirkzee is known for his goal-scoring prowess, his ability to drop deep and start attacks adds a new dimension to his game. However, it is important for him to find a balance between creating opportunities and scoring goals. Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, emphasized the need for Zirkzee to contribute to the team’s goal tally, as the club struggled to find the back of the net last season.
Despite being considered more of a link-up player, Zirkzee has shown promise in front of goal. Among United’s squad last season, he was one of the most prolific shooters and regularly got on the end of better chances. With a squad lacking out-and-out goalscorers, Zirkzee’s ability to find the back of the net will be crucial for the team’s success this season.
Zirkzee’s debut goal was a cause for celebration, both for the player and the fans. His celebration, inspired by a scene in Django Unchained, showed his excitement and passion for the game. Ten Hag believes that Zirkzee’s partnership with Dutch goalscoring great Ruud van Nistelrooy could be fruitful in the future. However, Zirkzee has had limited training time due to fitness issues, and his focus has been on building up his physicality.
While Zirkzee’s deep-lying role may frustrate some fans who want to see him in more advanced positions, his debut performance proved that he is not just a facilitator but also a finisher. As he continues to develop and settle into the team, Zirkzee’s ability to contribute both in terms of goals and link-up play will be vital for Manchester United’s success.