Zirkzee fears grow: January deal could solve Man Utd problem

Imre Himmelbauer

• 12 Oct 2024 10:15 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee is increasingly criticised for his performances.

After marking his debut for Man Utd with a goal against Fulham, when he got the winner in a 1-0 Premier League win off the bench, his production has stagnated.

This poor club form has carried over into the international scene. During Friday’s 1-1 draw with Hungary, he made a poor impression for Ronald Koeman’s side.

A January loan could offer a potential solution to Zirkzee’s difficulties.

STATS

Joshua Zirkzee

A (C)

Man Utd

Joshua Zirkzee

A (C)

Man Utd

All Tournaments

2024/25

• 10

  Games

• 1

  Goals

• 0

  Assists

View all stats

Prior to the Netherlands’ Nations League clash, pundit Valentin Driessen said in the podcast Kick-off that it is not a foregone conclusion that Zirkzee will become the first-choice striker for the national team.

“If you look at what Zirkzee and Brian Brobbey have shown at Manchester United and Ajax respectively, that doesn't make you happy as a national coach,” the pundit claimed.

“You can hardly say: ‘He will be my regular first striker.’

“Zirkzee could be on the bench at Man Utd for six months and Brobbey could go 10 or 12 more games without scoring. Should they then be the national team striker?”

For the first time since the middle of August, Zirkzee was benched by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag when the Red Devils faced Aston Villa last Sunday. Rasmus Hojlund featured at the point of the attack.

Although Hojlund struggled, he is coming back from injury and Zirkzee showed nothing from the bench. The Dane is in pole position to start against Brentford.

West Ham an ideal out for Zirkzee

According to data analytics firm SciSports’ Career Advice tool, West Ham could offer a solution to the Dutchman should he end up permanently fixed to the bench.

The London club has a Club Fit of 86 for the former Bologna and Bayern Munich forward, based, upon many things, on playing time.

The formation suits him perfectly and there is a strong chance he would get heavily used.

The only significant drawback? The potential development of Zirkzee due to the relatively lower level of competition at West Ham compared to the higher-ranked club.

The prospect for significant playing time, meanwhile, is understandable. West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has three strikers at his disposal – Danny Ings, Michail Antonio and the currently injured Niclas Fullkrug – yet between them they only have three goals for the season.

Zirkzee, then, does not seem to be an unnecessary luxury for the Hammers.