Joshua Zirkzee has no plans to leave Manchester United and is determined to surpass Rasmus Hojlund as the club’s first-choice striker, according to reports. The Dutchman scored against Fulham on the opening day of the Premier League season but the goals have dried up since then.
Zirkzee has failed to score in his last 11 games, allowing Hojlund to nail down his starting spot at the top of the pitch. It has even been speculated that Zirkzee could be allowed to leave Old Trafford on loan or permanently in the January transfer window.
However, the 23-year-old has no intention of joining a new club and wants to stay and fight for his place at United. According to Sky Germany, Zirkzee sees himself as the ‘number one striker’ and has his sights set on overtaking Hojlund in the pecking order.
It is said that he believes in his own ability and is confident that he will recover from his slump and establish himself as Erik ten Hag‘s main man.
The United boss is adamant that Zirkzee can become a prolific goalscorer for the Red Devils, saying earlier this season: “He is young. We see his great abilities. He is a very good link-up player, as you say, he is creative.
“He is creating chances but, to be fair, he also has his moments towards the goal from the opposition. I think it was a great action he had [against FC Twente] and a great finish he had, top save from the keeper but in that area he can definitely improve.
“We know he has some very good attributes. He has to improve and he needs our support on how to improve.”
Zirkzee remains tied down until the summer of 2029, having signed a five-year deal upon his arrival at Old Trafford earlier this year. He has not started a Premier League game since featuring in United’s heavy defeat to Tottenham at the end of last month.
The former Bologna man played just 55 minutes against Fenerbahce in midweek before he was replaced by Hojlund. The latter is still working his way back from a hamstring injury, with Ten Hag managing his minutes in order to ensure he makes a full recovery.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk