Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Joshua Zirkzee remains at Manchester United over the international break. But don’t expect it to change much for him.
It was no surprise that Joshua Zirkzee was not called into the Netherlands international squad. Having failed to make the World Cup selection, Zirkzee’s subsequent club performances have done little to build a case for the Nations League squads.
Zirkzee will spend time at Carrington during the international break to try and impress the coaching staff and give his season a spark.
But doesn’t it feel bleak?
Whatever Zirkzee does over the next fortnight, it feels like there is no chance that he starts the next Premier League fixture at home to Tottenham.
Saturday 10th October Premier League
Even with Benjamin Sesko out injured (his status for the game is uncertain), it is almost guaranteed that Michael Carrick will opt for an alternative option.
Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha are more likely to lead the line, especially if Amad is back from injury.
We would even predict that Rashford would start ahead of Zirkzee or even a system used where Bruno Fernandes is deployed as a false nine.
This is an argument we can make based on the facts of Michael Carrick’s reign to date. Joshua Zirkzee has only started one competitive game during this time; a drab 0-0 draw away at Sunderland at the end of last season. He was not even selected to start in the Carabao Cup this season.
The match against Tottenham is a critical one for United to get the season back up and running, and it will be played with intensity, with the visitors equally desperate to give their drab campaign a boost. United will field the strongest available XI, and this will not include Zirkzee.
It must feel bleak for the former Bologna forward to know that whatever happens during the international break, he will still be starting on the bench for the next league game. This should not be the situation for a player the club spent £36 million to sign – but it is the reality.
Getty Images
Longer term hope
United chose to retain Zirkzee on deadline day despite a loan enquiry from Everton. There is still a chance he can contribute, even if he will never be first choice.
After the international break, Manchester United will play six games in 21 days. Zirkzee’s contribution over the international break can influence how many minutes he gets.
Across seven matches in all competitions, Zirkzee has totalled 98 minutes as a substitute, an average of just over 16 minutes per game. He has no goals or assists.
His goal must be to earn one start across United’s six October matches, and seize his opportunity and make a persuasive case for more minutes. His recent cameo performances have done little to state his argument.
If he can start to have an effect between now and the end of 2026, he might just win some people over, including his coach.