The chances are slim that Joshua Zirkzee will start in the lineup for Manchester United on Friday evening in the home match against Fulham. The 23-year-old Dutchman did not get any playing time last week in the English Super Cup match.
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Joshua Zirkzee’s situation at Manchester United is a topic of growing interest among fans and pundits alike.
The young Dutch striker, who recently joined the club from Bologna, found himself on the bench at Wembley last Saturday during Manchester United's high-stakes clash against Manchester City in the Community Shield. However, much to the disappointment of some supporters, manager Erik ten Hag opted not to bring him on, a decision that reflects a broader strategy concerning the player's integration into the team.
Erik ten Hag, known for his meticulous approach to player development, has been clear about the reasons behind his cautious handling of Zirkzee. It's not simply a matter of the player needing to acclimatize to the faster and more physically demanding nature of the Premier League. Instead, the manager emphasized that Zirkzee’s situation is more complex, primarily involving his physical readiness.
"He didn't participate in the pre-season," Ten Hag stated in a detailed conversation with the English media. This lack of pre-season action stems from the fact that Zirkzee was recovering from an injury during his final months at Bologna. While he was fit enough to receive a call-up to the Dutch national team for the European Championships, this international duty caused him to miss significant portions of Manchester United’s pre-season training. This absence from early preparations has left Zirkzee playing catch-up, both in terms of fitness and tactical understanding.
In the weeks following his arrival, Ten Hag has monitored Zirkzee closely on the training ground. The 23-year-old has shown encouraging signs of progress, with his fitness levels improving steadily. However, Ten Hag insists that Zirkzee needs regular playing time to reach the next level in his development. "He needs playing time for the next step. There are no more friendly matches for that, so we have to give him that time in the league," Ten Hag explained, underscoring the challenge of balancing the need for competitive minutes with the risk of rushing a player back too soon.
This measured approach also aligns with the current squad situation. With the first-choice striker Rasmus Højlund sidelined due to an injury, there might have been a temptation to throw Zirkzee into the mix prematurely. However, Ten Hag has resisted this urge, opting instead to preserve the young forward’s long-term fitness and confidence.
Meanwhile, other recent signings, including Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, have integrated more quickly and are expected to be part of the matchday squad for the upcoming fixture against Fulham. Their quicker adaptation may be due to their participation in pre-season activities and a lack of significant injuries in recent months, highlighting the different circumstances each player faces.
For Zirkzee, the road to becoming a regular starter at Manchester United may take a little longer, but Ten Hag’s patient approach suggests that the manager is looking at the bigger picture. The Dutch coach’s experience with nurturing young talent indicates that Zirkzee will be given every opportunity to succeed, provided he can build up the necessary fitness and adapt to the tactical demands of the Premier League.
In the coming weeks, as Zirkzee continues to work hard in training and potentially gets more minutes on the pitch, fans will be eager to see how he develops and whether he can eventually make a significant impact for Manchester United this season. The careful management of his introduction to the squad might just be what the young striker needs to thrive in one of the world’s most competitive football environments.
Updated: 11:12, 16 Aug 2024
