REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Manchester United have entered the November international break in the Premier League relegation zone, after they went yet another game without a victory.
The Red Devils fought back from 2-0 down and 4-2 down to claim a 4-4 draw at Old Trafford against Aston Villa on Sunday, meaning they have won just one of their ten Premier League games this season and have just 8 points so far, leaving them in 18th place in the table.
But despite that awful form, manager Michael Carrick looks set to keep his job as manager, with INEOS having handed him a vote of confidence following the defeat to Bournemouth last month.
Since then, United have suffered a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea, beaten Roma 3-2, and drawn with Villa, and while the performances have been much improved in some areas, defensively the team have been awful. The 30 goals they have conceded in all competitions is the joint-most of any team in Europe's top five leagues.
But going forward, the team have struggled to score goals all season too. In all competitions so far, United have scored 24 goals in 15 games, but 16 of those goals have come in four games against Ipswich, Sabah, Roma, and Aston Villa.
In recent games, the team has been playing more free-flowing football, and that has seen more chances created and led to more goals being scored. But the players are still not performing too well, and they're banking on volume rather than clear-cut-chances.
Did it happen before or after?
Round 1 of 9
Youngster Shea Lacey has been pushing hard for a start, with right-winger Amad underperforming and without a goal from open play in almost an entire calendar year. Carrick has so far stuck with the Ivorian, but there is now another forward pushing for a start.
Netherlands international Joshua Zirkzee looked set to be on the move away from Old Trafford in the summer, despite an impressive pre-season campaign. A move never worked out for him, and he has found himself sidelined by the manager for much of the season, appearing for just 186 minutes so far in all competitions.
But the tall centre-forward has been making the most out of recent substitute appearances. He got a consolation goal in the thrashing against Como in the Champions League, and he got the third goal late on against Villa too, while also making a great impact as a substitute in the draw against Leeds.
Zirkzee Stats
Carrick Has No Excuse To Leave Zirkzee Out
REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Zirkzee's time at Man Utd hasn't been great, and a January exit still seems to be more likely than him staying for the entirety of the season. But it's clear that he has earned himself an opportunity to get a start.
Former Premier League champion Lee Sharpe has sung his praises recently too, and it's clear that his technical attributes can help to bring the best out of those around him.
“Joshua Zirkzee is one of my favourite players to watch. His ability on the ball is phenomenal: in tight areas, he's got great feet and the ability to go past people."
With Benjamin Sesko ruled out with an injury until at least the new year, the lack of a natural striker has been an issue for the manager to contend with. But Zirkzee has proven he can step in and score goals, while also linking with the other forwards in the squad.
There is no reason for him to not be involved more often after the international break, and Carrick arguably owes him his job now too.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick