Amorim challenges a Red to be 'more selfish'

Thursday 10 April 2025 10:43

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.
Ruben and Diogo's press conference Video

Ruben and Diogo's press conference

PRESS CONFERENCE | Ready for the first leg? You will be after watching Ruben Amorim and Diogo Dalot's media briefing...

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.”
‘I spoke with Memphis about United’ Video

‘I spoke with Memphis about United’

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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! 
How do you feel ahead of Thursday’s quarter-final first leg?poll

How do you feel ahead of Thursday’s quarter-final first leg?

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How might Kobbie Mainoo be involved?

The winner of our tie will face Athletic Club or Rangers in the semi-finals. Who do you expect to progress?poll

The winner of our tie will face Athletic Club or Rangers in the semi-finals. Who do you expect to progress?

Essential viewing before the first leg:

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  • Our Europa League journey so far Video

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