- Man Utd draw 0-0 vs Sunderland
- Is Joshua Zirkzee’s career over at United?
- What the game brought to light
Manchester United’s 0-0 draw against Sunderland was uninspiring. But the game carried even more weight for Joshua Zirkzee, as his display was dull amid the visitors’ lacklustre performance.
Though the game had nothing to add to Michael Carrick’s future, it did show the plight of certain players. The interim head coach handed the Dutchman his first start since replacing Ruben Amorim, but the striker failed to seize the opportunity.
With United heading into a rebuild, the 24-year-old looks unlikely to be part of its long-term plans. Having gone without a start since December, the performance showed exactly why he had fallen down the pecking order.
Is Zirkzee’s Time Up?
Zirkzee played 65 minutes before being substituted for Patrick Dorgu, and the 24-year-old had a quiet outing, struggling to influence the game and rarely showing the intent needed in front of the goal. Sunderland’s defence was way ahead of him, and he was dominated physically. In the first half, he managed only one header, which went over the bar.
According to the Telegraph, the Dutch striker’s game against Sunderland could be his last in the Old Trafford outfit. Carrick rarely singles out his players publicly, but he subtly addressed his thoughts on Zirkzee’s performance.
“For all the boys, it was a tough game. Coming here away from home it’s challenging.”
The United boss spoke on the Dutchman’s lack of involvement in link-up play:
“There were times he linked up play well and sometimes we left him a little bit exposed, that’s the way it goes. He did a real job for the team. And I understand it’s not always easy for any player when you haven’t played for a bit to come into the game, so certainly [I’m] not judging any individual on one performance.”
| Zirkzee vs Sunderland | Numbers |
| Minutes | 65′ |
| Touches | 25 |
| Shots | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Crosses | 0 |
| Fouls | 1 |
| Passes | 18 |
Though Zirkzee was not the only player struggling on the day, he was the one under the most pressure.
The £36.5m signing from Bologna managed just nine goals in 73 appearances for the side. Thereby, not matching the level expected from him.
Zirkzee Not The Only Dissapointment
This was not a performance worth talking about by United standards. However, this game revealed exactly why the interim manager has handed limited game time to a number of players.
Having secured Champions League football and with Carrick proving everything needed for the manager’s job, United have question marks over the futures of certain players. Zirkee was poor upfront, and so too was Mason Mount, who barely made an impact in midfield.
The visitors struggled to cope with Sunderland’s intensity. Matheus Cunha’s only moment was his injury-time strike, and Kobbie Mainoo was sloppy on the ball. Amad Diallo lacked confidence, and even Bruno Fernandes missed his usual sparkle.
Though United’s impressive run has earned them a place in the Champions League, this game exposed the fragile mentality that existed in the squad before Carrick’s arrival. The Reds could now place Zirkzee on the transfer list, looking to raise funds for new signings.
