Joshua Zirkzee has failed to make an impact at Manchester United - but Emile Heskey believes the Dutchman can still do a job for the English giants
Joshua Zirkzee
Can Joshua Zirkzee still have a long-term Man Utd future?
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Emile Heskey reckons Joshua Zirkzee can still save his Manchester United career. Zirkzee has struggled to make an impact at United since joining them from Bologna in a £36.5m deal in 2024.
The Holland international has managed just eight goals in 57 appearances in all competitions. He has found himself stuck on the sidelines for long periods, and is expected to lave United in next month's transfer window.
He is concerned that his lack of starts will wreck his chances of being involved in next summer's World Cup. Italian outfit AS Roma are one of several clubs keen to sign him on-loan.
But the absence of the injured Benjamin Sesko has given Zirkzee a rare chance to prove himself. And former England and Liverpool striker Heskey believes Zirkzee can still cut the mustard at Old Trafford, provided he is given the right support.
"Joshua Zirkzee has not had an easy start to life at Manchester United," said Heskey, speaking to betwright.com. "He's had a really tough time and been scrutinised since he joined the club, but he’s playing with far less fear now - we saw that against Crystal Palace.
"Hopefully he can use that game as a turning point to really kick on, especially in Benjamin Sesko's absence. From what I've seen, Zirkzee looks like a good investment for the future.
"But you're not going to get much out of a player if you throw them into the deep end and hope they produce some magic.
"He’s shown he can hold the ball up very well, drag defenders in and provide space for his teammates around him. But he needs more support from the players around him who can capitalise on his strengths by running into the space he’s provided."
Another United player whose future is up in the air is Kobbie Mainoo, again an unused substitute on Thursday during the draw with West Ham - a move which has left Paul Scholes furious.
The Old Trafford legend has labelled Ruben Amorim's treatment of the England midfielder as "bulls***".
"The kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can't control a game of football," said Scholes. "Hate seeing home grown players leave but it's probably best for him now, enough is enough."
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