**Joshua Zirkzee has netted his first goal in almost exactly 12 months, having last found the back of the net against Everton on December 1, 2024.**
The forward, who’s retained his starting spot in the absence of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, scored what’s likely to be his most impressive finish in a Manchester United shirt since signing for the club in July 2024.
Zirkzee commended for ‘wonderful’ contribution
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(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Zirkzee’s finish levelled the scoring against Crystal Palace after their first-half opener, which came courtesy of a Jean Philippe-Mateta spot-kick.
“Lovely equaliser from Zirkzee. Tight angle, put pulled that out of nothing. Wonderful. He’d done nothing in the first half, too,” said Andy Mitten when reacting on X/Twitter.
Thankfully for Ruben Amorim, Mason Mount also added his name to the scoresheet to give the Reds the lead for the first time this afternoon in the 63rd minute.
Will Zirkzee see out the season with United?
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(Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
The Dutch forward adding to his account will do absolute wonders for his confidence amid such an uncertain period for him at United.
Zirkzee has fallen entirely out of favour under Amorim this season; prior to Monday’s defeat to Everton, he had featured for a measly 82 minutes in the opening matches of the campaign, being an unused substitute for seven whole matches.
His reduced role prompted reports that he could be on the move come January to try and play more minutes elsewhere, with the likes of AS Roma, Everton and West Ham all keen on taking Zirkzee on board.
However, Amorim may have seen enough today to consider utilising the 24-year-old more, especially as we approach the jam-packed festive schedule that awaits United in the coming weeks.