Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee scored for the first time since August against Everton
Joshua Zirkzee is starting to prove to Manchester United legend Paul Scholes that he is capable of leading the line after his brace against Everton.
The 23-year-old was on the receiving end of fierce criticism from Scholes following a three-month run without a goal. The Dutchman's two clinical strikes in United's 4-0 demolition job over the Toffees on Sunday not only helped new United boss Ruben Amorim to his first Premier League victory, but also enabled Zirkzee to answer his critics.
He's endured a tough start to life at Old Trafford since making a £36.5m switch from Bologna in the summer. Following an impressive season in Serie A, he was brought to Manchester by former manager Erik ten Hag and looked to be a shrewd acquisition when scored on his Premier League debut against Fulham.
However, the goals quickly dried up as the forward claimed just one assist in his next 11 games, which came in a 2-1 defeat to West Ham. Zirkzee's run without hitting the net had led Scholes to doubt the new signing's ability.
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The legendary United midfielder didn't believe ex-assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, a man once famed for his scoring prowess, was even consulted over the signing of Zirkzee by Ten Hag. He didn't stop there either, as he also blasted Rasmus Hojlund's pedigree.
"Coaches are control freaks, they want to do everything," Scholes said in early October. "But he (Van Nistelrooy) also has to be involved in the recruitment side of it, signing a centre forward. Or two centre forwards. I am not sure he would have picked Zirkzee. I am not sure he would have picked Hojlund. Look, there is probably not a plethora of centre forwards out there but you would go consult him, wouldn't you?
"In forward areas especially, I just don’t think the quality is there. We go back to the most successful teams, they’re capable of scoring goals. Now we had three or four forwards who could get you 20 goals so you’re looking at 80 goals a season there and I just don’t see that in the forward line at Manchester United."
Speaking after United's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa in October, Scholes said: "Look, Hojlund does alright but is he gonna score you 20 goals? I don’t think so. Zirkzee… What is he? Is he a No.9 or a No.10? Is he going to get you 20 goals? I don’t think so.
Zirkzee celebrates with Marcus Rashford on Sunday
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Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
"I think they’re relying more on hope than actual proven quality and they spent so much money as well. It’s a ridiculous amount of money and some of them can’t get in the team"
The 6ft4in striker scored 11 goals in 34 games for Bologna last season as they qualified for the Champions League. Following a few late drop outs, Dutch manager Ronald Koeman even called him up to his Euro 2024 squad.
Despite Zirkzee appearing to stake his claim for a starting berth under Amorim on Sunday, reports in Italy suggest he is still keen on the idea of heading back there to join Juventus. Zirkzee's supposed desire to end his United stay prematurely is due to the allure of his former boss, Thiago Motta, who is now in charge of the Turin side.
Motta has previously spoken about Zirkzee in the highest regards, saying: “He reminds me of the Ronaldinho I played with at Barcelona. But I cannot compare him to anyone. He is just Joshua, and he is special."
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Zirkzee has now been identified as a key target by Motta. While the Juventus manager's effusive praise over his former striker will only add fuel to the fire that the Dutch ace could be headed for a United exit, his career in England may now finally be getting off the ground.
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