Joshua Zirkzee may not be high on Michael Carrick’s list of attacking options at Manchester United, but his latest performance for the Netherlands has given the striker something to build on.
The 24-year-old came off the bench and scored the winning goal in the Netherlands’ 2-1 Nations League victory over Serbia. It was only his second international goal, with his previous strike coming against Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2024.
Joshua Zirkzee needed just 27 minutes to make his mark. Tijjani Reijnders delivered a cross into the box and the United forward was in the right place to turn it home from close range.
Joshua Zirkzee gives Carrick something to think about
The goal came at an important time for Zirkzee, who has had limited opportunities at Manchester United and has been linked with a January departure.
He nearly left the club on deadline day when Everton explored a move, but the deal ultimately collapsed. Despite the uncertainty, Zirkzee has made it clear that he wants to stay and fight for his place.
His performance for the Netherlands now gives Carrick a selection headache to consider ahead of the Tottenham clash. Benjamin Sesko is expected to be ruled out for the game with a shin injury. Michael Carrick has used Matheus Cunha through the middle but Zirkzee has an outside chance to feature.
Zirkzee had only one effort on target against Serbia, but it was the one that mattered. His movement inside the box and instinct to attack the cross were enough to settle a match the Netherlands were struggling to control.
With Tottenham Hotspur next for United, Carrick now has another decision to make in attack. Zirkzee may still be behind others in the pecking order, but an international winner is certainly a better argument for minutes than he had before.
