Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is showing promise with his latest appearances. But there is no answer in sight.
Joshua Zirkzee is a difficult footballer to assess. He is capable of turning a brief cameo appearance into a highlight reel, but he always leaves you wanting more.
Zirkzee was unlucky not to score a winner with a late effort against Newcastle that was saved by Aaron Ramsdale. The home side then went on to win the game 2-1.
United fans were impressed with Zirkzee’s efforts, wondering if he will be rewarded with more opportunities.
Joshua Zirkzee and Benjamin Sesko walk off the pitch
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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 does not quite fit in
Joshua Zirkzee’s problem is that there is no clear route back into the team. He needs goals to justify a recall, not near misses.
Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Amad are all in front of him in the queue for forward positions.
When Patrick Dorgu returns from injury, he will get more game time than Zirkzee will.
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Michael Carrick is already facing a tough choice picking three of his favoured four forwards. There is not quite a compelling enough case to select Zirkzee ahead of any of them.
And that’s a shame because Zirkzee genuinely might have something to offer.
He showed this by scoring an impressive goal away at Crystal Palace back in late November. He was subsequently dropped and has started only one game since, and none in 2026.
After a first defeat, how are you feeling about Michael Carrick for the Man Utd job permanently?
Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
United’s unluckiest player
Joshua Zirkzee has been the biggest loser from Manchester United’s lack of European football this season.
United have not had the necessity to rotate the squad, and Zirkzee has missed out.
Zirkzee is not part of Manchester United’s best XI, and so he is not being selected. But he does have something to offer as a squad player, and he would be getting more opportunities if United had the chance to rotate the squad.
A more pertinent question for Zirkzee and United is whether he will still be a United player next season, when those opportunities will be available.
Zirkzee needs a run of regular starts, and at the moment he can’t even get a singular one.
The Dutchman has been linked with a move away from United during the course of this season, and he may have opportunities where he will be able to play more regularly.
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