Manchester United legend Lee Sharpe has backed Joshua Zirkzee to come good at Old Trafford, insisting his best position is as a number 10, from where he can make things happen.
It has been a difficult season for Zirkzee, who has scored just three times in 28 Premier League appearances since joining United last summer from Serie A outfit Bologna.
He recently broke his European duck, scoring his side’s goal in the 1-1 draw away to Real Sociedad. The Dutchman followed that up with another solid display during the weekend’s clash with Arsenal.
In the past few games, amidst the spate of injuries United are dealing with, Ruben Amorim has primarily used Zirkzee as one of the 10s just behind the striker.
He has looked much better in that role and finally seems to be turning things around at Old Trafford.
Lee Sharpe spoke to The Peoples Person in an exclusive interview, hosted by BetBrain, and had his say on Zirkzee. Asked whether the 23-year-old is good enough to be at United, Sharpe answered, “I’m a fan of his and yes, I think he is [good enough].”
“I just think he needs a bit of time. He’s still a young man and he needs time to adjust to the expectations of Old Trafford, the size of Manchester United and I think he’s a baller.”
“I think he’s got loads of ability, he drifts past people sometimes, he likes to pop the ball around very quickly and sharply at times.”
“He can score a goal, create and I think once he gets a full run of 10 or 20 games in the team, then he’s going to be a really good player for Man United.”
On what Zirkzee’s best position is, Sharpe noted, “The number 10 is probably more suited to him. I think perhaps at the moment he needs to play as a number nine because he holds up the ball better and brings people into play better than Hojlund.”
“But I definitely think if they can get a centre-forward that can hold it up and pop it down to Zirkzee while he’s facing play, I think he can pick out people, he can beat people and I think he’s got a lot in his armour that can hurt teams and I think he’s going to be a really good player.”
Zirkzee and his teammates return to action on Thursday for a decisive Europa League second-leg clash against Real Sociedad, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Featured image Ion Alcoba Beitia via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
