Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has praised Joshua Zirkzee’s development this season and challenged the Dutchman to improve further.
Zirkzee joined the club from Bologna last summer and memorably scored on his debut, with a winning goal against Fulham in front of Old Trafford’s Stretford End. So far, the Netherlands international has featured in 46 of our 48 fixtures across all competitions and scored six goals.
It’s fair to say Joshua has experienced some ups and downs throughout his maiden campaign as a Red - just like the team as a whole - but Amorim is encouraged by the big man’s development and influence on the team.
It’s fair to say Joshua has experienced some ups and downs throughout his maiden campaign as a Red - just like the team as a whole - but Amorim is encouraged by the big man’s development and influence on the team.
Zirkzee’s most important contribution this season is arguably his crucial goal in the Europa League last-16 first leg at Real Sociedad last month.
Ahead of our next outing in the competition, the quarter-final first leg at Lyon, Ruben has laid out his expectations for Zirk.
“I think he's improving in a lot of aspects,”
explained the boss, during his press conference.
“I think he needs to be more selfish, and that is a thing when you play as a striker. He's not a typical striker, but he has to be more selfish. He's more aggressive now, he works better now, he's defending better now, he's connecting quite well.
“He played as a striker in some games, especially against Arsenal he did really, really well. Then in some games, against [Real] Sociedad, he played as a 10, so he can adapt to different situations. So, I see that Josh is improving and showing good things.”
Will Zirkzee start against Lyon this evening? Find out when the line-ups are announced at 18:45 BST, just ahead of Match Day Live starting on MUTV from 18:55. Come on United!