Joshua Zirkzee can turnaround his Man United after display, one 100% stat is most telling
Joshua Zirkzee has never managed to live up to his potential since signing for Manchester United in the summer of 2024.
With nine goals and three assists in 79 appearances, managers have rarely been able to find the attacker's best position on the pitch.
At Bologna, he was best between the lines, always floating in-between centre-forward and attacking midfield, but he's been treated as a striker at Old Trafford.
It is really no wonder that he's struggled to meet expectations in the Premier League, and now he's dropped down Michael Carrick's pecking order to be an almost forgotten figure.
Even with Benjamin Sesko sidelined, Zirkzee has yet to start a game for the Red Devils this season, but a U-turn on his future is not impossible.
On Sunday, 4 October, he scored for the first time since December 2025, bagging the opener against Wolves before being substituted at half-time.
Joshua Zirkzee's stats vs Serbia speak volumes
He had replaced Mexx Meerdink at the break during the Netherlands' Nations League clash against Serbia, eventually netting the winner.
It was his 100 per cent shot accuracy that helped seal the win [FotMob], though he could barely miss from just a couple of yards out.
During his 45 minutes on the pitch, he also created a chance, made one clearance and one recovery, as well as entering into four duels and committing two fouls.
Being in the right position at the right time is clearly second nature to him, which would suggest that his time at Old Trafford shouldn't be over just yet.
Football Insider understands that a return to Serie A is on the cards, with Everton and Newcastle United both interested, but Man United must consider keeping the Dutchman instead.
Man United fans react to Zirkzee's exploits
Zirkzee undoubtedly has what it takes to make it in the Premier League. It is all about how Carrick uses him on the pitch.
The 25-year-old never should have been signed as a striker, but rather someone who drifts between the lines and drags the opposition out of position.
Once Carrick works that out, the sooner he becomes an unstoppable force at Old Trafford.