Photo by MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by MB Media/Getty Images
Joshua Zirkzee only played 26 minutes against Sabah FK but in that time he eclipsed all of his Manchester United teammates.
Michael Carrick chose to start Benjamin Sesko up front for Manchester United’s 4-0 win over Sabah, but he turned to Joshua Zirkzee as a second-half substitute.
The score was 3-0 when Zirkzee entered the pitch, and the Dutch striker played a key role in Lisandro Martinez’s goal by flicking on Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick.
It was Zirkzee’s first performance of the 2026/27 season, and in his short cameo, he was able to showcase his unique skillset.
Manchester United v Sabah FC - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1
Photo by MB Media/Getty Images
Manchester United's Belgian goalkeeper #01 Senne Lammens, Manchester United's Moroccan defender #03 Noussair Mazraoui, Manchester United's Slovenian striker #30 Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United's French defender #15 Leny Yoro, Manchester United's English midfielder #37 Kobbie Mainoo (front row from L to R) Manchester United's Brazilian striker #10 Matheus Cunha, Manchester United's Cameroonian midfielder #19 Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United's Belgian midfielder #18 Youri Tielemans, Manchester United's Argentinian defender #06 Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United's Danish defender #13 Patrick Dorgu and Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder #08 Bruno Fernandes poses for a team photo before the UEFA Champions League football match between Manchester United and Sabah FK at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on September 10, 2026.
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
Joshua Zirkzee possesses skill no other Man United star has
When Zirkzee was signed for £36.5m by United, in his first interview he coined himself a ‘No.9.5’ – a blend of a centre-forward and a creative attacking midfielder.
Zirkzee’s goal record reflects that. He hasn’t scored as often as United fans would have hoped. But what he offers in possession is something unique.
In just 26 minutes against Sabah, Zirkzee completed three dribbles, which was not only more than every United teammate, but the most of any player in the match.
Zirkzee boasted a 100% dribble success rate, which highlights his ability to beat an opponent with ease and carry the ball up the pitch.
While Zirkzee does lack in his goalscoring ability, he offers a unique skillset to beat players and create space in the final third through his ball-carrying.
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Only Bryan Mbeumo was close to Zirkzee in terms of his dribbling, completing two dribbles of his own vs Sabah. No other United player managed more than one.
READ MORE: Man Utd vs Sabah player ratings UCL, Kobbie Mainoo class again but 9/10 star stole the show
The likes of Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo all prefer to create chances through passing, and it means that United are lacking players willing to beat opponents 1v1.
United decided to keep hold of Zirkzee this summer, and perhaps his dribbling and space creation played a part in that decision.