Manchester United players have been training in preparation for Sunday’s clash against Aston Villa, and Joshua Zirkzee was a standout in footage released by the club.
This weekend is the first of three Champions League qualification race battles Manchester United needs to win to ensure there is a seat at the top table next season.
United should be beating Aston Villa, with a better-rested squad and a point to prove after losing 2-1 against Newcastle last time out.
Ahead of the clash, United’s players have looked ultra-sharp in training.
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Federico Macheda celebrates scoring on Man Utd debut
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Joshua Zirkzee playing against Brighton in the FA Cup third round
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Joshua Zirkzee scores the winning goal during a training session drill
United released training footage on Saturday morning, with plenty of moments to unpack.
The footage from club media, in particular, cast Joshua Zirkzee in a positive light as the Dutchman scored multiple goals in the two-on-two drill that was going on.
Zirkzee scored the goal, which won the entire session for his group, with a cool and accurate finish into the mini goal. As a result, his teammates embraced him, particularly Matheus Cunha, who held onto the 6ft 4in striker with a hug.
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The Dutch striker also had a moment when he did a silky turn, which left both Benjamin Sesko and Diogo Dalot sliding as he turned the other way to give Kobbie Mainoo an easy tap-in.
Zirkzee has been impressive this season when played, but it is unfortunate that the club hasn’t been in Europe minimising his possible minutes.
Against Newcastle, he tested Aaron Ramsdale more than any other United player, and we wouldn’t be shocked if he were to get more time against Villa.
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Diogo Dalot gets past Kobbie Mainoo during Manchester United training
Zirkzee wasn’t the only player to enjoy the session, as Dalot also had a moment he will soon be clipping up to show his teammates.
This was when Dalot managed to force Mainoo to commit with a slide tackle before knocking the ball the other way to leave his teammate in no man’s land.
The skill left other teammates laughing, with Dalot’s hesitation almost suggesting he himself was shocked.
It can only be positive ahead of facing Villa, with clear confidence and good feeling within the squad.
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