English football supporters are among the most creative songwriters in the world, and they’ve proven it once again after Manchester United’s vocal fanbase came up with a new earworm for striker Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman joined the Red Devils from Bologna in a deal worth £36.5 million ahead of last season.
While he scored on his Premier League debut in a 1-0 win over Fulham, his first term at Old Trafford hardly inspired hope that he would become the club's next talisman. Zirkzee found the back of the net just seven times in 49 appearances across all competitions, and what concerned fans even more was his limited contribution elsewhere on the pitch. His clunky movement became a recurring frustration for a fanbase enduring their club’s worst season since relegation in 1974.
This season has brought no improvement in goalscoring for Zirkzee. However, with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko now sharing the attacking burden, the 24-year-old has shifted his mindset to become a hardworking team player. That change has not gone unnoticed, and it’s safe to say he’s suddenly loving life at the Theatre of Dreams.
Man United Fans' New Chant for Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee in action for Manchester United
Having debuted in the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace last weekend, the charts have yet to reflect where Zirkzee’s new song ranks among the likes of Taylor Swift and Olivia Dean. Nevertheless, it’s safe to say the hit - sung to the tune of Daft Punk’s 2001 party anthem “One More Time” - is set to become the soundtrack of Man United’s busy winter period. The lyrics can be heard in the chant below:
"One more time, we're going to celebrate. Oh yeah, alright, with Joshua Zirkzee-ee"
Since then, Ruben Amorim’s side have secured back-to-back away league victories, with Monday Night Football seeing them coast past a hapless Wolves team in a comfortable 4-1 win. Zirkzee’s chant was heard once again during the full-time celebrations at Molineux - this time, however, the Dutchman himself was spotted enjoying every second of it. Watch below:
Zirkzee's Man United Future
Ruben Amorim
The Dutch international has reportedly been told there is “no chance” of a mid-season exit from Amorim’s squad, which is set to lose Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui during the African Cup of Nations. Until last month, he had largely been limited to substitute appearances this term, but his mentality since earning more regular game time has not gone under the radar.
Freed from the expectations of being a prolific goalscorer, the former Bologna forward’s off-the-ball work rate has been a refreshing sight in recent weeks. Needless to say, the club may eventually outgrow him if he doesn’t produce the desired numbers between now and the end of the campaign, but there are certainly encouraging signs of improvement.