December 2024 unfolded in an unusual way for Joshua Zirkzee. It began with a confident two-goal showing against Everton, only to end in embarrassment when he was substituted just 33 minutes into the defeat to Newcastle — an exit that drew sarcastic applause from his own supporters.
A year later, Zirkzee still occupies a strange place at Manchester United. He had not made a single start until the home loss against Everton in late November, and his ineffective performance against David Moyes’ 10 men seemed to validate Ruben Amorim’s reluctance to use him. When United fans later found out he was starting against Crystal Palace, many joked in group chats that they were ready to switch the game off.
Yet by the final whistle at Selhurst Park, those same travelling fans were chanting his name to Daft Punk’s “One More Time” as the stadium speakers blasted the song. Zirkzee had played a decisive role in transforming an imminent defeat into a dramatic victory.
It wasn’t the first time he had delivered an astonishing moment when expectations were at their lowest — and it was a strong reminder that United cannot allow him to leave in the January window, despite his unpredictable status in the squad.
From invisible to inspirational
Zirkzee’s display against Palace perfectly encapsulated his time at United. His first-half performance was almost anonymous — no shots taken and most aerial battles lost, while Jean-Philippe Mateta completely outshone him.
But the second half told a completely different story. His goal — arguably the best he has scored since joining the club — stood out, but it was part of a much sharper overall performance. His passing accuracy jumped from 57% to 77%, and he finished the match completing six lay-offs, his highest tally since that Everton win a year earlier.
He also competed far better physically, winning twice as many aerial duels in the final 30 minutes as in the entire first hour. One of those victories even led to the free-kick that Mason Mount converted for the winner.
A revival that didn’t last
Zirkzee has a history of flipping the narrative. After being mocked against Newcastle last season, he responded two weeks later by scoring the decisive penalty in the FA Cup third-round shootout win over Arsenal, receiving vocal praise from the 9,000 travelling supporters.
Soon after, his transformation from scapegoat to cult hero continued as his name was sung to the tune of “Zombie” by The Cranberries when he scored against Real Sociedad in San Sebastián. He added another Europa League strike in Lyon with a late header.
But disaster struck in the next match against Newcastle, where he injured his thigh muscle, effectively ending his season. Although he recovered in time to appear in the Europa League final, he could not prevent United from falling to a costly defeat against Tottenham.
His summer must have been difficult as he watched United spend £200 million on new attacking signings. After struggling to secure a regular role even when Rasmus Hojlund was misfiring, Zirkzee found himself overlooked again early in the new campaign as Benjamin Sesko settled into the starting XI.
A risky situation with little upside for United
Zirkzee was firmly established as Sesko’s understudy and only fifth in line for the No.10 position. By October, reports emerged suggesting he was frustrated with his limited chances and open to leaving in January.
With a World Cup approaching, and having been ignored by Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman for over a year, his desire for a fresh start is understandable.
While Everton and West Ham have shown interest, the strongest push is coming from Italy, where Zirkzee revived his career at Bologna after leaving Bayern Munich. AC Milan and Como were linked initially, but Roma — chasing their first Serie A title since 2001 — are now the most serious contenders given the struggles of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson.
However, Roma are only proposing a loan with an option to buy, dependent on Champions League qualification — a move offering plenty of risk but little benefit for United.
A reminder of what he can do
United know all too well how difficult it is to sign a striker in January. In 2023, they could only bring in Wout Weghorst after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. And despite Zirkzee’s inconsistent trajectory at Old Trafford, the club understands that he still offers qualities worth holding onto — at least until the summer.
His strike against Palace demonstrated just how dangerous he can be when he receives the ball in the right areas. Although he is known more for linking play than scoring, Zirkzee still possesses a devastating finish with his right foot.
His Selhurst Park goal — chesting down Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick before smashing home from a tight angle — was his standout moment in a United shirt. His debut goal against Fulham under Erik ten Hag showed similar finesse, as did his thunderous long-range finish against Real Sociedad that left goalkeeper Alex Remiro stunned.
Despite being stronger on his right, Zirkzee is also proficient with his left foot, using it to score against Palace and producing a comparable first-time finish for Bologna versus Cagliari — the first of his 12 Serie A goals that season.
More than just scoring
While Zirkzee’s control and technical ability surpass many of his peers, adapting to the intensity of English football has been a challenge. Willem Weijs, his former coach at Anderlecht, highlighted this to Sky Sports, saying that young players sometimes believe the game is purely about skill and goals, but top-level football demands much more.
Amorim echoed this sentiment following the win over Palace:
“It’s not only about goals. His runs, his hold-up play, his duels — those all matter. He improved a lot in the second half. That’s what he needs to understand.”
He added that while goals bring confidence, Zirkzee’s development in ball retention and physical duels should encourage him:
“He influences the game, and that’s crucial for us. He must keep that standard in training.”
Always waiting for his chance
Zirkzee admitted his confidence had suffered during his scoring drought, saying:
“At a club this big, you have to deliver. When you go a long time without scoring, it can weigh on you.”
But if he expected praise from his manager, he did not receive it. Before facing West Ham, Amorim stressed that Zirkzee was only starting because injuries had opened the door.
“Josh is playing because we have had many absences,” he insisted. “Football works like that — you must be ready when the chance comes. I don’t choose based on names. Be prepared, and you’ll get your opportunity.”
Zirkzee may not have been ready against Everton or in the first half versus Palace, but he reminded everyone — manager and fans alike — that he remains capable of delivering elite-level moments even if he struggles to produce them consistently.
His rollercoaster ride at Old Trafford has featured both lows and unforgettable highs. But his dramatic turnaround in a single match showed one thing clearly: Manchester United cannot afford to give up on him yet.