Joshua Zirkzee has become an eye-catching option that Michael Carrick and his backroom Manchester United coaching staff must further analyse going forward.
An almost forgotten Manchester United first-team player at times, Joshua Zirkzee will usually do something to remind Red Devils supporters about his presence.
The perfect example was his second-half introduction at St James’ Park in Man Utd’s 2-1 loss to 10-man Newcastle in the Premier League clash on Wednesday evening.
Zirkzee caught the eye of United fans after the 24-year-old Dutch forward sparked a breath of fresh air amid a struggling performance from the Red Devils on the night.
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Joshua Zirkzee reacts after his shot is saved by Aaron Ramsdale during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
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Joshua Zirkzee must become the ‘early Man Utd sub’ rather than a ‘super sub’ for Red Devils boss Michael Carrick
It wasn’t only Manchester United fans who felt Joshua Zirkzee’s presence on the pitch, but it was also Newcastle shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale on Wednesday.
Zirkzee unleashed a superb 30-yard strike and the brilliant execution of his ‘knuckle-ball’-esque effort was denied by a stunning save from Aaron Ramsdale in the clash.
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The Netherlands striker’s effort came late in the second half, having made his way onto the pitch in the 76th minute for Red Devils summer signing Bryan Mbeumo.
Zirkzee’s performance in his second-half cameo raised the question of what kind of impact he could have further added had his substitution come earlier.
Michael Carrick should have rolled the dice with the Netherlands ace around the 60th minute amid United’s lack of urgency against 10-man Newcastle in the second half.
Bryan Mbeumo was criticised by United fans for his lack of impact through the match and Carrick had nothing to really lose by taking the Cameroon star off earlier.
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Credit where it’s due, Joshua Zirkzee played well when he came on
Should Zirkzee be in line for a start any time soon?
Joshua Zirkzee reacts after his shot is saved by Aaron Ramsdale during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Joshua Zirkzee brings balance for Man Utd to support Benjamin Sesko and Co if Michael Carrick does sub off Bryan Mbeumo
Zirkzee has been a polarising signing since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2024, but the former Bologna striker’s link-up play has always been desirable on the pitch.
Considering United had the numerical advantage over Newcastle, the Red Devils should have had a chokehold over the second half by controlling the ball better.
StatMuse revealed that Zirkzee made 11 touches alone during his 14 minutes on the pitch, while Bryan Mbeumo had 36 touches across 74 minutes on Wednesday.
In his 14-minute cameo, Zirkzee showed the effectiveness he could add to Carrick’s Man Utd tactics if he operated more as an ‘early sub’ rather than a ‘super one.’
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