Joshua Zirkzee struggled to stamp his mark up front for Manchester United’s against Nottingham Forest as Ruben Amorim picked him to play up front ahead of Rasmus Hojlund.
The decision backfired as the game passed the £36million signing by and at half-time, he was moved back into one of the two attacking midfield positions in behind Hojlund, who replaced midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Zirkzee has looked better in a deeper role but hasn't necessarily made either position a natural fit.
And before the match he seemed to suggest he wasn't quite sure what his best position was.
When asked about this, by ex-United centre back Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports, the Dutchman said: "It’s difficult to say because I’ve been playing the ten position, I’m playing the striker position today so I would say I’m a bit in between.
"I just want to win so it doesn’t really matter what position I play.
“I think my connections with the team is most important. I just enjoy playing football and being creative.”
A hesitant Zirkzee was then asked about what Ruben Amorim demanded from him in this game. Specifically, the demands of playing as the number nine ahead of Rasmus Hojlund.
“He doesn’t want me to drop too deep, he did tell me ‘you’re a striker today so you’re not number ten’, but I’ve got to be in the box and that’s where my improvements are…
“Just get chances, and shoot.”
This all seems fairly vague, but whilst Zirkzee provided few quality moments and passes in the game, he wasn’t able to provide a focal point for his team, despite being asked to do exactly that by his manager.
It took Harry Maguire to come on up front in the dying moments before there was anybody for the Manchester United players to aim crosses to.
Amorim has previously commented on Zirkzee's position, stating that he doesn't consider him a pure number nine, but rather a "nine and a half", highlighting Zirkzee's improved physical strength and work ethic.
“I think Josh is not a clear nine, he played more as a ten” Amorim said of Zirkzee’s performance away to Tottenham back in February.