Amad, Fernandes and Zirkzee celebrate United's fourth goal
Amad, Fernandes and Zirkzee celebrate United's fourth goal
Joshua Zirkzee thanked his Manchester United teammates for helping him after he ended his 18-game goalscoring drought.
Zirkzee scored twice in United's 4-0 Premier League thrashing of Everton, having last scored for the club on his debut against Fulham on August 16.
The 23-year-old made his first league start in nine weeks against Everton and struck either side of half-time to contribute to United's first league victory by a four-goal margin since the opening day of the 2021-22 campaign.
Zirkzee believes the turbulence United experienced in the first few months of the season has fostered closer relationships in the dressing room after a change of head coach.
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"Hard times create strong people and strong people bond. I think that's what's happening now," Zirkzee said. "Obviously, the longer it takes before you get back on the scoresheet the more frustrating it gets.
"But I have some great teammates who always keep my head up as well when I'm not keeping it up. They helped me a lot during that time as well. Today they were happy for me as well."
Zirkzee's tendency to drop deep jars with new head coach Ruben Amorim's preference for a frontman to stay high up the pitch but the Dutchman coolly slotted in both of his goals from inside the area.
The £36.5million signing was reticent when asked if Amorim had requested a different role to Erik ten Hag. "Er... Yeah, maybe. I dunno... Yeah, that's a good question.
"I felt comfortable today in the role I was in. Of course, the goal helps as well for a striker, so that also helps. But yeah, we all came out with the confidence that we were gonna win this game. There are some slight differences, yeah. I go out there and try and do what he asks me and expects."
Amad made both of Zirkzee's goals possible through his pressing which forced errors from Jarrad Branthwaite in the first half and James Tarkowski in the second. The winger played Zirkzee in to round off the scoring in the 64th minute.
"Just natural, I think, but same with all the other guys," Zirkzee said of his understanding with Amad. "It takes some time to have connections in a team when you're new. With Amad, it's very easy to play but same with all the other players in the team.
"I wish I could explain to you. It's easy. He always gives you an option. Just comes natural. I wish I could explain!"