Between his team’s rain-soaked 3–2 victory over the Tractor Boys on Wednesday and his first game as manager, against Ipswich Town at Portman Road, a lot has happened for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. Joshua Zirkzee made an impression during the latter encounter.
Patrick Dorgu has arrived, Marcus Rashford and Antony have been moved out on loan, and the authorities have made a number of moves that have irritated the Old Trafford supporters, chief among them the startling rate of redundancies.
Things haven’t been particularly successful on the pitch either, but Zirkzee, who joined in the summer of 2024 when Erik ten Hag was still in charge at Old Trafford, is beginning to establish himself as a valuable addition to the 40-year-old strategist Amorim.
The Dutchman, 23, has had a difficult start to life at Old Trafford, as demonstrated by the jeering he received from Manchester United fans when he was brought on as a substitute against Newcastle United. However, the fan base’s sentiment has changed.
A Statistical Look at Zirkzee’s Display Against Ipswich
The Dutchman’s defensive work was on display
Zirkzee had 40 ball touches in his 89 minutes of play before being replaced by the more seasoned Christian Eriksen. He was trying to connect Rasmus Hojlund with their two-man engine room, Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.
His defensive contribution is what stands out the most from his performance; a total of four ball recoveries and two tackles demonstrated that he isn’t scared to get involved when things get tough, which will appeal to Lisborn-born Amorim.
Zirkzee’s performance against Kieran McKenna’s team was likewise characterised by his determination to put yards on the metre. The 2001-born ace, who rarely plays at a canter, won six of ten ground duels and was fouled three times.
Even if he lacks the speed to escape his marker, supporters can appreciate his unwavering work ethic, particularly when his team is out of possession.
Premier League Stats for Zirkzee vs. Manchester United Squad, 24/25
Metric
Results
Rank of the Squad
Minutes
1,146
13th
Objectives
3.
= Third
Helps
One
= Third
Each game’s shots
0.9
Sixth
Each game’s key passes
0.4
13th
Each game’s Dribbles
0.3
The 10th
Total score
6.35
17th
Perhaps demonstrating that goal scoring is not his strong suit, he has recorded five goals and two assists across all competitions since moving from Bologna, initially to help Hojlund improve. However, his performance in Ipswich demonstrated his abilities.
Zirkzee is considerably more entertaining to watch; he’s always so smooth, witty, and unpredictable, even though he’s not as powerful as artists like Erling Haaland. His flawless combination of flair and superb link-up play enables both himself and others around him to succeed on the pitch.
Fans React to Zirkzee’s Old Trafford Performance
‘Do you know who I really like? Joshua Zirkzee’
Fans have praised Zirkzee on X (previously Twitter) in light of Alejandro Garnacho’s response to being replaced following Dorgu’s just dismissal, the defensive weakness displayed, and an upcoming match against Arsenal.
He was a former Bayern Munich academy prospect who, according to one admirer, “works his socks off” when he is positioned close to the top of the Manchester United tree, demonstrating his unwavering work ethic.
Although Zirkzee won’t offer you 20 goals in a season, he always gives it his all when given the opportunity.
Joshua Zirkzee is becoming better every game, according to another fan, who also insisted that he keeps making good development in the legendary Manchester United outfit. He wants to improve and learn new things. possesses the essential skills of a great football player.
30/12/24 – Hooked after 30 minutes and booed off at Old Trafford as United lose 2-0 to Newcastle 💔
26/02/25 – Puts in a monster effort for 93 minutes and is given a standing ovation by those same supporters as United’s 10 men beat Ipswich ❤️🔥
Joshua Zirkzee. Grit. ✊#MUFC pic.twitter.com/cUb04AWB6Z
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) February 26, 2025
“Zirkzee has advanced significantly in a relatively short period of time. Although his finishing still needs improvement, his overall performance is excellent. Before another admirer commended his character for getting back to his best, a third fan said, “He’s changing my mind.”
Zirkzee is a great technician who does a good job of bringing others into action. He’s accomplished a lot in the last several weeks, but maybe some goals will also come. Considering the criticism he has experienced and overcome, it is also a significant display of character.
The BBC’s John Bennett was in attendance at Old Trafford and, in response, revealed that Scheidam-born Zirkzee was a player who grabbed his attention. He believes that, all in all, the ex-Feyenoord and Anderlecht man will do well at Old Trafford.
He wrote: “Was at the Manchester United game. Do you know who I really like? Joshua Zirkzee. Huge effort & work-rate but when United were 2-1 up before the red card you could see glimpses of his class and vision. Will do well at OT.”
