- Manchester United draw 0-0 vs Sunderland
- Joshua Zirkzee dissapoints
- Paul Robinson gives brutal assessment
Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson has hit out at Joshua Zirkzee after Manchester United drew 0-0 with Sunderland. Michael Carrick gave the Dutch attacker a rare start.
Zirkzee led the line with Benjamin Sesko sidelined through a shin injury. The 24-year-old has found game time hard to come by this season.
United put in a collectively poor performance in a dull stalemate at the Stadium of Light. They were a tad fortunate to come away with a point.
Sunderland 0-0 Man Utd: Robinson Slams Zirkzee
Zirkzee failed to impress and had little influence on the draw, which means a four-game winning streak has ended for the Red Devils. He managed just one shot, completed 12 of 18 passes, won one of three ground duels and three of eight aerial duels.
Carrick had seen enough and brought the Dutchman off for Patrick Dorgu in the 65th minute. Robinson gave his thoughts on the former Bologna frontman’s contributions while speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live:
“Joshua Zirkzee has been a passenger today. He has offered absolutely nothing for this Manchester United side.
He added:
“Every time they have won back possession, they have looked for the out-ball and they have looked for a frontman, but he hasn’t really worked the channels or covered the ground. It tells you a lot that Michael Carrick is bringing Patrick Dorgu on to replace him.”
Zirkzee made his 24th appearance of the season in the draw against Sunderland, and he’s managed just two goals and one assist. His future is uncertain heading into the summer transfer window, with a better backup option to Sesko being considered.
Time for a Sale
Zirkzee seems a good character and clearly loves representing United. But players are judged on their efforts on the pitch, and unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out for the Dutch attacker.
That’s not entirely his fault as the club seemed to misprofile him when signing him from Bologna for £36.5m. Is he a number nine? Is he a false nine? Is he a number 10? Nobody seems to know including himself.
Zirkzee is reportedly keen on staying at Old Trafford and loves playing for the club. But his performances tell another story and surely moving him on is best for the club and the player.
