Paul Scholes simmered praise for injury-hit Manchester United's spirited draw against Arsenal on Sunday by scrutinising Joshua Zirkzee's role in Ruben Amorim's side. The Dutch forward has enjoyed an upturn in form since moving to attacking midfield, but he started as the hosts' striker at Old Trafford and struggled to have his say on the game.
United ended their four-match losing streak against Arsenal in the Premier League with a 1-1 stalemate, which many would argue they deserved to win. Bruno Fernandes fired the Red Devils ahead with a bending free-kick on the brink of half-time before Declan Rice struck level with 20 minutes to play. But Noussair Mazraoui, Rasmus Hojlund, Bruno Fernandes and Zirkzee couldn't take advantage of promising second-half openings to turn one point into three.
Amorim dropped Hojlund to the bench, and the young Dane has now failed to score in his last 20 appearances in all competitions.
But rather than handing Chido Obi a maiden senior start against his former club, Zirkzee was entrusted up front.
The 23-year-old, who has never been a prolific goalscorer, has showcased his primary qualities since operating in a deeper role behind the striker.
He thrives at dropping into space, getting the ball under control and picking out passes to contribute to the attacking build-up.
Amorim himself has acknowledged that Zirkzee isn't a striker, while Casemiro echoed his sentiments after Thursday's Europa League clash against Real Sociedad.
The 33-year-old midfielder said: "He's a very good player. He's not a number nine who stays in the middle.
"He's a nine who goes out more to the wings, which is why he plays as a bit of a No.10, which is what this coach likes."
That was emphasised further with Zirkzee's ineffective performance against the Gunners before he made way for Hojlund in the 76th minute.
And Scholes didn't let it go without criticism following the game, urging United to sign a new striker in the summer and questioning what Zirkzee offers in general.
"Both teams are in desperate need of a striker," Scholes told Premier League Productions after full-time.
"Zirkzee I thought was a little bit disappointing today. I'm not sure he's a number nine or a number ten. I'm not really sure what Zirkzee brings to the team.
"Rasmus Hojlund is obviously still having his issues, but both teams are crying out for attacking players."
Amorim is expected to target a new goalscorer as a priority at the end of the season.