Manchester United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, expressed significant frustration with Joshua Zirkzee’s frequent loss of possession during the match against Viktoria Plzen. Zirkzee’s inability to retain the ball disrupted the team’s flow and hindered their ability to maintain consistent pressure, impacting overall performance and strategy execution.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim expressed visible frustration with striker Joshua Zirkzee’s performance during their match against Viktoria Plzen, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. The Dutch forward endured a challenging game, losing possession an alarming 16 times in the first half and an additional five times after the break. Zirkzee’s struggles on the ball not only disrupted Manchester United’s attacking momentum but also tested Amorim’s patience throughout the game.
It wasn’t just Amorim who showed dissatisfaction. Club captain Bruno Fernandes was also seen voicing his displeasure early in the match when Zirkzee’s loss of possession led to a situation that forced the Portuguese playmaker to commit a foul. Meanwhile, Amorim frequently turned to his coaching staff, visibly exasperated every time the summer signing gave the ball away. It became evident that Zirkzee’s current style of play is at odds with Amorim’s high-intensity, possession-focused approach, which demands precision, discipline, and relentless pressing from every player on the pitch.
The stakes are high for Zirkzee as he faces mounting pressure to adapt and improve. If the Dutch striker fails to align his game with Amorim’s tactical philosophy, his future at Old Trafford could be in jeopardy. Reports have already surfaced linking him to a potential exit in the January transfer window, fueled by his underwhelming record of just three goals in 22 appearances across all competitions this season. Despite starting nine games, Zirkzee has failed to establish himself as a reliable attacking option, and his lack of consistent output has drawn widespread criticism.
Amorim, known for his no-nonsense approach to team management, is unlikely to show leniency if Zirkzee’s performances don’t improve significantly. The striker’s inability to maintain possession and contribute effectively to United’s pressing game could lead to his departure as early as this summer. Rumors suggest that Manchester United might consider parting ways with the 22-year-old to pursue a reunion with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, a striker Amorim knows well.
Gyökeres has been in scintillating form, scoring an astonishing 25 goals in just 23 appearances this season. His clinical finishing, physical presence, and ability to press high make him an ideal fit for Amorim’s system, offering a significant upgrade to Manchester United’s current attacking options. If Zirkzee fails to adapt and continues underperforming, the Swedish striker’s arrival at Old Trafford could become a reality, further cementing Amorim’s vision for a more dynamic and effective forward line.
For Zirkzee, the clock is ticking. To salvage his Manchester United career, he must demonstrate rapid improvement in both his technical ability and tactical awareness. Otherwise, he risks being overshadowed by potential new signings and, ultimately, becoming surplus to requirements at one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
