Joshua Zirkzee scored his first goal in nearly a year in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
The second-half comeback at Selhurst Park began with Joshua Zirkzee scoring from an incredible angle following a Bruno Fernandes free-kick.
It was the Dutch striker’s first goal since he scored a brace against Everton at the start of December 2024.
Describe that finish from Joshua Zirkzee in one word…⚽️🔥
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Ruben Amorim praised Zirkzee after the full-time whistle, explaining that his performance helped to elevate the entire team in the second half.
With Benjamin Sesko out injured, it was hugely important for United that Joshua Zirkzee can step up, and former Arsenal striker Ian Wright certainly liked what he saw from the 24-year-old.
Joshua Zirkzee after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park in 2025 in London, England.
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Ian Wright wowed by Joshua Zirkzee performance
United fans were delighted with Zirkzee for his performance at Selhurst Park. A wobbly first half could have knocked his confidence, but he came out firing after the break.
Speaking on Premier League Productions’ The Weekend Wrap, Wright said: “One player I was particularly impressed with was Zirkzee.
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“I know he scored, but his link-up play, the way he played in the game, you could see it was very cohesive, passing the ball around it was very nice. They showed a lot of character and will have to build on that.”
Are you surprised by the two Man Utd players who won the most duels?
Player Duels won vs Palace
Joshua Zirkzee 8
Diogo Dalot 8
Casemiro 7
Amad 7
Matthijs de Ligt 6
Noussair Mazraoui 6
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Wright is spot on. Not only did Zirkzee find the back of the net, but his entire performance was impressive, including his link-up play and defensive contributions.
Zirkzee won more duels than any other United player at Selhurst Park, and he can expect to lead the line against West Ham again on Thursday evening.
Joshua Zirkzee could save his Man United career
It has been widely reported that Zirkzee is open to leaving in January in order to pursue more game time.
With the 2026 World Cup around the corner, it’s understandable why Zirkzee would be eager to play and fight his way into the Netherlands squad.
Zirkzee is attracting interest from Italy, with AC Milan and Roma leading the race for his signature.
READ MORE: Joshua Zirkzee pulled off something that Casemiro has not been able to do all season in clearest Man Utd sign
Amorim is keen to keep Zirkzee to maintain United’s strength in depth heading into 2026, but an exit cannot be ruled out.
However, with Zirkzee back in the starting lineup and finding the back of the net, rumours of a January move could quickly die down.