Paul Scholes targeted a Manchester United player after the draw against Arsenal
Scholes claimed Ruben Amorim's squad is 'in desperate need' of a new striker
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By STEFAN BURGHILA
Published: 04:26 EDT, 11 March 2025 | Updated: 04:26 EDT, 11 March 2025
Paul Scholes further criticised Joshua Zirkzee after the Manchester United player's disappointing display against Arsenal on Sunday.
Despite craving points, the Red Devils concluded the clash at Old Trafford with a 1-1 on the scoresheets.
United opened the lead through Bruno Fernandes' free-kick goal in the stoppage time of the first half, only for it to be cancelled out by Declan Rice in the 74th minute.
The Dutchman finally appeared in his natural striker position after several games where he was forced to feature in one of the two No 10s spots.
However, he finished the game with another poor performance and one shot in total, confidently saved by David Raya in the 59th minute.
'Both teams are in desperate need of a striker,' Scholes said Premier League Productions post-match. 'Zirkzee I thought was a little bit disappointing today.
Paul Scholes has taken an aim at Joshua Zirkzee following his poor performance against Arsenal
The Dutch forward appeared in the starting lineup but concluded the game with just one shot in total
Scholes has questioned whether Zirkzee fits into Ruben Amorim's system and added he does not think he is a striker or a No 10
'I’m not sure he’s a number nine or a No 10.
'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.'
The 23-year-old striker has struggled to adapt at Old Trafford since his arrival in the summer of 2024 under ex-manager Erik ten Hag.
Zirkzee made 42 appearances this season but managed to score only six goals and add two assists.
The latest struggles come after the youngster had a stunning campaign in Serie A last year at Thiago Motta's Bologna, where he was fundamental in the team's build-up and positional attack.
Zirkzee's fast development last year earned him a call up in the Netherlands national team - where he made six appearances - but now, Ronald Koeman has issued a gruelling verdict on the striker's drop in form.
'He wasn't in the preliminary selection because I don't think he's good enough at the moment,' Koeman told Studio Voetbal.
'Especially scanning when turning or passing often goes wrong. Yes, in principle, form and fitness are always leading, but that is not always possible.
The Red Devils' icon added that both Ruben Amorim and Mikel Arteta's squads are 'in desperate need' of a new striker
The Netherlands Ronald Koeman added Zirkzee is 'not good enough' to play for the Netherlands right now
His United team-mate Matthijs de Ligt was also omitted from Koeman squad for this month's break
'We have a lot of central defenders and midfielders, but we are somewhat limited up front.
'But even then, I still think that you have to earn your selection, and I think he doesn't deserve that now, but that could be the case again in another period.'
The 23-year-old signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford until June 2029 in a deal worth £36.5million.
The Red Devils decided not to trigger his release clause at the Italian side, instead paying an additional £2m in order to bring the play.
His competitor for the No 9 position, Ramus Hojlund, also endures a poor campaign in Manchester, as he has now gone nearly 21 hours without a goal.
Another United and the Netherlands team-mate, Matthijs de Ligt, has also been omitted from the squad amid a disappointing season in Manchester.
The Red Devils are out of both domestic cups - the FA Cup and Carabao cup - and sit in 14th place in the Premier League table.
The Europa League remains the only competition where Amorim's band can hope for success. They are set to face Sociedad in the second leg of the round of 16 at Old Trafford on Thursday.