Zirkzee, the Dutch striker who arrived from Bologna in the summer for £36 million, made his second start for the club in the Southampton fixture and played a crucial role in United’s attacking play. While Zirkzee is not United’s primary goal-scorer, his creative flair and technical ability offer something different from a traditional No.9. And it is this quality that has fans eagerly awaiting Rasmus Hojlund’s return from injury, as Zirkzee appears to be the ideal partner for the Danish forward.
A Vital Role in United’s Recovery
Manchester United entered the game against Southampton under intense pressure after their 4-0 defeat to Liverpool. Ten Hag needed a response, and his team delivered. Matthijs de Ligt opened the scoring with a towering header from a Bruno Fernandes cross, and shortly after, Marcus Rashford doubled United’s lead with a curling effort from outside the box. However, much of United’s fluidity in the attacking third can be credited to Zirkzee, whose link-up play and intelligent movement created space for his teammates to exploit.
While Southampton dominated the opening 30 minutes of the match, United shifted the momentum after Andre Onana saved a penalty from Cameron Archer. From there, Zirkzee started to grow into the game, playing a central role in United’s build-up play. The Dutch forward often dropped deep to receive the ball and quickly released passes that allowed United to transition up the pitch. His ability to attract defenders and open up space for Rashford and Amad Diallo allowed the team to break through Southampton’s defensive lines.
Zirkzee’s technical skills and vision were on full display, as he looked comfortable dribbling past defenders in tight spaces and orchestrating attacking moves. While he missed a few chances in front of goal, it became clear that Zirkzee’s main contribution would be as a creative force, rather than a goal poacher.
Zirkzee’s Unique Skillset
Zirkzee has described himself as a “false striker,” or more specifically, a “9.5.” Unlike traditional No.9s, who are primarily focused on scoring goals, Zirkzee thrives in linking up play and creating opportunities for others. In an interview with the Daily Mirror, the young forward explained that his game is all about adding flair and fun to football, combining technical skills like nutmegs, backheels, and fancy footwork with the discipline to regain possession when needed.
This playmaking ability is precisely what United lacked in previous seasons, particularly as they struggled to break down defensive blocks. Last season, the Red Devils managed only 57 Premier League goals, the worst tally in the top 10. With Zirkzee in the squad, United now have a forward who is capable of providing an entirely new dimension to their attack.
Against Southampton, Zirkzee completed 82% of his passes, most of which were forward-thinking. He also won seven of his 11 duels and generated an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.14. Although he didn’t get on the scoresheet, Zirkzee’s influence was undeniable. His movement dragged defenders out of position, and his creative instincts allowed United to launch dangerous counterattacks.
However, as Zirkzee himself admits, he isn’t driven solely by the desire to score goals. His game is about the collective effort. “I am what I call a false striker. Not a No.9, not a No.10. I am a 9.5!” Zirkzee shared. “Maybe I’m a little different than others, but being different is good, right?”
The Zlatan Ibrahimovic Comparison
Joshua Zirkzee has been compared to former Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was renowned for his physical presence, technical skill, and ability to score spectacular goals. Zirkzee himself has acknowledged that he models his game after Ibrahimovic, stating, “I would love it if, in a few years’ time, people said that my game looks a bit like Zlatan Ibrahimovic.”
While Zirkzee may not possess the same clinical goal-scoring instincts as Ibrahimovic, there are similarities in how both players use their size and skill to dominate defenders. At 6’4″, Zirkzee’s physical presence allows him to hold off defenders, but it’s his footwork and creativity that make him such a unique talent.
However, Zirkzee lacks Ibrahimovic’s aggressive streak and flamboyant confidence, preferring to let his game do the talking. As he continues to settle into life at Old Trafford, there is a sense that Zirkzee could become a fan favorite, much like the Swedish icon before him.
The Importance of Hojlund’s Return
For all of Zirkzee’s talents, his effectiveness will only be fully realized once Rasmus Hojlund returns from injury. United manager Erik ten Hag has made it clear that he sees Zirkzee and Hojlund as a complementary partnership, with the Dane acting as the primary striker while Zirkzee operates in a deeper, more creative role. Hojlund, who managed 16 goals in his debut season despite limited service, would thrive playing alongside someone like Zirkzee who can provide the service and space he needs to make intelligent runs.
United’s performances have been inconsistent in 2024, and much of that has been down to a lack of firepower upfront. Ten Hag has experimented with different attacking formations, but the team has looked most fluid when playing with split strikers, as they did in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. The 4-2-2-2 formation allows Zirkzee and Hojlund to combine up front, with Fernandes and Garnacho or Amad Diallo in support.
The only question is when Hojlund will be fit to return. Ten Hag recently revealed that the Danish striker, along with Luke Shaw and Mason Mount, would not be available for United’s next game but could return within the next few weeks. Until then, United will have to continue relying on Zirkzee as their focal point in attack.
Misjudging Zirkzee’s Value
Despite his obvious talents, Zirkzee has already faced criticism from some quarters due to his lack of goals. Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves remarked that while Zirkzee “has got something,” he’s not the type of “killer” striker like Erling Haaland, who can guarantee 40 goals a season. Hargreaves suggested that Zirkzee might be better suited as a squad player.
However, these criticisms fail to account for Zirkzee’s unique role in the team. Unlike Haaland, Zirkzee is not a pure goal-scorer. He is a playmaker, and his value lies in his ability to bring others into the game. This was evident during the international break, where Zirkzee starred for the Netherlands in their 5-2 Nations League victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Zirkzee scored with a clever flicked header and also assisted Tijjani Reijnders with a perfectly weighted pass, demonstrating his vision and intelligence on the ball.
Dutch pundit Hans Kraay Jr. praised Zirkzee’s creativity during the match, stating, “Zirkzee is so intelligent. He not only passes it on the run, he also passes it in such a way that it is not too hard and ends up on Reijnders’ left. I think that is so beautiful.”
These qualities make Zirkzee a valuable asset for Manchester United, even if he is not scoring goals every game. His technical skills and vision bring something different to the team, and he has the potential to silence his doubters as the season progresses.
What Lies Ahead for Zirkzee and United?
The upcoming weeks will be crucial for Manchester United and Joshua Zirkzee. With seven games in 22 days, including Premier League clashes against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Brentford, United must secure at least eight points to avoid falling further down the table. If Rasmus Hojlund returns from injury during this period, Zirkzee will have the opportunity to play alongside the Danish forward and fully showcase his potential.
United’s reliance on Hojlund has become clear, and without him, the team lacks the necessary firepower to mount a serious challenge for the top four. But with Hojlund back in the lineup, Zirkzee’s playmaking abilities will be fully utilized, and Manchester United could finally begin to climb up the league standings.
For now, Joshua Zirkzee remains a player full of promise, waiting for the right conditions to fully shine.