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Man Utd have signed ‘poor man’s Memphis Depay’ blasts pundit, says performances ‘beyond alarming’
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has struggled in the transfer market since his arrival and the jury is out on his summer signings.
Erik ten Hag is a man under pressure after Manchester United collected just seven points from six games to start the season.
United’s first Europa League game was a home draw too, and ahead of a visit to Porto, the manager’s job is under increasing speculation.
But the spotlight is also falling on the players too, and the decision to sign Joshua Zirkzee is under a little scrutiny.
Joshua Zirkzee criticised
Manchester United have seen Joshua Zirkzee demonstrate he is an excellent link player, able to bring his teammates into the game in the final third.
A goal on his debut proved to be a false dawn. The former Bologna forward is yet to score since the season opener.
United have failed to score in three of the last four Premier League matches, with Zirkzee starting all four.
Former Ireland international striker Tony Cascarino had some harsh words for Zirkzee and Manchester United.
He compared him unfavourably to Memphis Depay, a player Zirkzee was a back-up for at Euro 2024.
He told The Times: “United now resemble a team like PEC Zwolle, a side two-thirds of the way down the Dutch top flight. That to me sums up the demise of United.
“Zirkzee is a poor man’s Memphis Depay. He’s tame in the way he plays.
Cascarino added: “What you’re witnessing at United is way beyond alarming. It’s actually mind-boggling.”
Zirkzee and Hojlund yet to play together
Erik ten Hag had a vision for his attack when he signed Joshua Zirkzee, and it’s unlikely he viewed him simply as an alternative to Rasmus Hojlund.
In each of the games the Dane has played since his return from injury, he has been a substitute for Zirkzee, and the pair have not played a single minute together.
In theory the pair’s games should complement each other well, and Ten Hag needs to try to get them onto the pitch together.
Zirkzee was not a prolific goalscorer in Italy, United knew this, but we do need to find someone who can be.
If Hojlund can step up and deliver, then it will alleviate some of the pressure on Zirkzee.
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