Manchester United crashed to a first defeat in five games on Monday night against a ten-man Everton side at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were beaten by a fine Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall strike in the first-half, after the Toffees had been reduced to ten men in bizarre fashion following Idrissa Gana Gueye's red card for striking teammate Michael Keane in the face.
But Ruben Amorim's side really struggled to create many clear-cut chances throughout the game, with both Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha forced to watch from the sidelines due to injury, and former striker Michael Owen has picked out one star as particularly underwhelming during the game.
Owen: Zirkzee Not Right Fit for Man Utd
Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee holds his head in his hands.
Premier League - Manchester United v Everton - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - November 24, 2025 Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee reacts REUTERS/Phil Noble
With Sesko and Cunha both unavailable, Amorim opted to give Netherlands international Joshua Zirkzee his first start of the campaign as the central striker, flanked by Bryan Mbeumo and Amad.
But the 24-year-old struggled to make an impact, and Owen admitted, via Metro Sport, that he doesn't 'get excited' when watching him, and feels he's the wrong fit for what Man Utd are trying to build under their Portuguese manager.
"I can’t watch him and get excited, I must admit.
"Cunha missing today was a big blow. He [Zirkzee] was the closest to scoring for Man Utd but they are almost resorting to playing like this with hopeful crosses because he’s in there.
"If you have Cunha playing, a different profile of player, you probably don’t go knocking crosses in all game.
"It’s not how Manchester United want to play and I always think if you start lumping the ball it becomes desperation.
"One or two landed on Zirkzee’s head but the way Man Utd are playing prior to tonight, it’s not the right profile of player, he doesn’t excite me at all."
Man Utd Fans Back Owen Over Zirkzee
Everton's Idrissa Gueye in action with Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee
Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee struggled against Everton. Credit: REUTERS/Phil Noble
With a number of fans frustrated by the situation at the club currently, with Amorim still trying to win some of the fan base over after a year in charge, many share Owen's thought process around Zirkzee.
Responding to his comments, one fan took to X to state, "For once, I agree with Owen. Despite criticism, Sesko is far better player leading the line. As for Zirkzee, I don't know his best position. He doesn't excel at leading the line or being prolific and not quite good as 10s either. Jack of all trades, master of none."
Another fan responded by saying, "I've been saying it from the day we signed him! Zirkzee brings nothing to this team! No creativity & has zero killer instinct in front of goal! We need to get rid of him in January!"
X user Enyicoco also agreed, stating: "He’s rubbish. Has been rubbish since day 1."
Man Utd fans are clearly annoyed, and with injuries in the squad and AFCON quickly approaching, Amorim must find a solution to their problems as soon as possible.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim watching on from the touchline Related
Ruben Amorim Gives Three-Word Verdict on Joshua Zirkzee After Man Utd 0-1 Everton
Joshua Zirkzee was handed his first start of the Premier League campaign in Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Everton.