Coach Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed by Manchester United last week, did not agree with signing Joshua Zirkzee, who has been a major disappointment. Ten Hag was frustrated to learn that the forward was nearly 7kg overweight.
According to SunSport, Zirkzee not only arrived at Old Trafford out of shape but also required time to shed the excess weight. This situation left Ten Hag displeased, especially as Zirkzee wasn’t his initial choice.
The decision to sign Zirkzee from Bologna came from INEOS’s new management team, who considered him a “bargain” at £36.5 million. However, the move is now sparking controversy as fans question whether Zirkzee is physically fit for the Premier League.
Despite scoring on his debut against Fulham as a substitute, helping United win their Premier League opener, Zirkzee hasn’t scored since, appearing 15 times with only 7 starts.
His last start in the Premier League was in late September against Tottenham, after which Ten Hag resumed using Rasmus Hojlund, who had been out with an injury earlier in the season.
In a recent 1-1 draw with Chelsea, interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy only brought Zirkzee on in the 84th minute. Shortly after, he had a chance to score but was too slow, allowing Wesley Fofana to intercept.
Curiously, Zirkzee later posted a picture on Instagram capturing this moment, despite the fact that it didn’t lead to a goal. Clearly, Zirkzee hasn’t joined United as the “goal-scoring machine” the club needs. Some have speculated he might be more suited to a No. 10 role rather than a No. 9.
Overall, Zirkzee has so far proven to be an ineffective signing for United, with his fitness level struggling to match the speed of the Premier League.