Joshua Zirkzee ‘upsets Ruben Amorim more than anyone’ after Man United latest
Joshua Zirkzee frustrated Ruben Amorim more than any other Man United player during the early stages of their 2-1 Europa League win at Viktoria Plzen, according to the Daily Mail’s Chris Wheeler.
The striker was restored to the starting lineup for the Red Devils’ trip to Czechia on Thursday (12 December), after starting on the bench in the last games, defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
He had scored twice in a 4-0 win over Everton, providing some respite after a tough spell following his move to Old Trafford in the summer which has already led to speculation around a potential January exit.
However, as Man United endured a frustrating first-half against Plzen, Zirkzee struggled to make an impact, regularly giving possession away to the ire of his manager, which was noticed by a number of observers.
Providing an update on the game on X, Wheeler said: “Amorim has cut a frustrated figure on the touchline in these opening 30 mins. Zirkzee, in particular, seems to be upsetting the head coach. The stats show he has lost possession 11 times so far.”
That was also picked up on by David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror, who when discussing Zirkzee’s performance said: “Amorim can’t hide his dismay at Zirkzee continually losing possession, often under little pressure”.
Joshua Zirkzee not doing his Man United chances any favours against Plzen
Football Insider Opinion
This is surely just about the last thing that the striker will have wanted on his return to the starting XI against Plzen.
Amorim has shown he is not scared to rotate his starting lineup, something Zirkzee will be aware of after dropping to the bench for the last two games despite his impact against Everton.
The Dutchman will therefore have been desperate to nail down a place in the Man United side by impressing on his return to the starting XI against Plzen.
But given he left Amorim as frustrated as he did, it feels hard to imagine that the Red Devils boss is going to be inclined to give him another chance any time soon.
Consequently, the striker quickly put himself under pressure to make an improved impression in order to stake a claim for a run in the lineup.
Failing to take that though, could see Zirkzee facing another stint on the Man United bench following this trip to Czechia.
The summer arrival from Bologna wasn’t the only one not to cover himself in glory as a major Andre Onana error gifted the hosts a second-half opener, which was pegged back by substitute Rasmus Hojlund before the Dane netted a late winner.
In other news, Arsenal have been tipped to sign a Man United player in the January transfer window.
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