Jamie Redknapp has taken aim at Joshua Zirkzee after the Manchester United forward struggled during the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Joshua Zirkzee has been used as a rotational option this season and had shown some encouraging moments against Sabah in the Champions League last week. However, his introduction against Brighton failed to have the same impact, as Manchester United eventually suffered a 3-2 defeat, going out of the Carabao Cup at the third-round stage.
The result was particularly damaging after United had raced into a 2-0 lead early in the game.
Redknapp blasts Zirkzee’s Brighton display
Speaking after the match as quoted by The Metro, Redknapp was critical of United’s overall performance and singled out Zirkzee for his contribution after coming off the bench.
“They [Brighton] looked better coached, they had patterns of play even though they made changes today they looked like a thoroughly good side,” Redknapp said.
The former midfielder also questioned the impact of bringing Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo into the game, believing their introduction failed to turn things around.
“United threw on their insurance policy in Bruno and Mainoo. Everyone thought they might be able to make an impact and in fact it made them worse.”
Redknapp then delivered his strongest criticism for Zirkzee.
“Zirkzee came on and couldn’t pass the ball to his own teammate. Incredible for Brighton, they deserved it.”
The defeat leaves Manchester United with only two victories from their opening six matches in all competitions. Their wins have come against Ipswich Town and Azerbaijan side Sabah.
Joshua Zirkzee will now be hoping for another opportunity to respond, but Redknapp’s comments reflect the frustration surrounding a United side still struggling to find some early results in the season.
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