Forgotten man Zirkzee may have to move

JOSHUA Zirkzee had the potential to become a Manchester United cult hero after overcoming adversity.

- By STEVEN RAILSTON

Zirkzee dealt with the embarrassment of being hooked against Newcastle after 33 minutes last December and showed tremendous character in bouncing back over the subsequent weeks.

The Dutchman was an entertaining watch after being switched to one of the No.10 roles. Zirkzee was signed to play as a striker, but it was obvious that he did not possess the skillset to lead the United attack.

United fans rooted for Zirkzee to come good after the Newcastle substitution, although he was demoted in the squad this summer when Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha arrived.

Zirkzee has found opportunities hard to come by this term. Mbeumo and Cunha have been the first choice picks in the No.10 roles, while Mason Mount, Amad and Bruno Fernandes can also play there.

Ruben Amorim has not started Zirkzee once, even naming him on the bench against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup second round. United have fewer fixtures this term and Zirkzee's chances of playing have been damaged by the early Carabao Cup exit and the failure to qualify for European football.