Manchester United suffered another defeat in the 19th round of the Premier League, losing at home to Newcastle. In the first half, Isaac scored with a header just four minutes into the game, and then Joe scored another header for Newcastle in the 19th minute. After this loss, one player is unlikely to get another chance. Manchester United lost 0-2, and we can now see that Ten Hag's protégé is lazier than Martial, scoring only one goal in eight games and being substituted after 33 minutes.
Manchester United has lost four consecutive games, failing to score in the last three matches. At the halfway point of the Premier League season, United has only managed to secure 22 points. Last season, they finished eighth, but currently sit in 14th place. In their first game of the new year, Manchester United will visit Anfield to face league leaders Liverpool. Given their current form, this match looks ominous. It is unlikely that Manchester United forward Zirkze will play in the next game against Liverpool, as his performance has disappointed coach Amorim.
In the match against Newcastle, Zirkze started the game, but had 15 touches and lost possession seven times, with nine passes and only three successful ones. He lost the ball too often, and both of Manchester United's goals were related to Zirkze. Before the first goal, Dalot's long pass was intended for Zirkze, but he reacted slowly, not ready to receive the ball, and missed it with his leg, resulting in an out-of-bounds play. Newcastle took advantage of this opportunity to organize an attack, which was finished by Isaac.
Before Newcastle's second goal, Zirkze made a simple passing mistake in the frontcourt, giving away possession. This error by Zirkze hastened the second goal conceded by Manchester United, as Newcastle again used a cross to breach the United defense with a header. Manchester United's defense is indeed poor, and the performance of frontcourt players like Zirkze is also disappointing. They are unable to exert much pressure on the Newcastle defense. People say that Martial is lazy, but Zirkze is even worse now.
Zirkze often just makes symbolic defensive efforts in the game, stretching his legs or blocking slightly, appearing as if he hasn't woken up and is drowsy. Manchester United lacks players like Daniel James, who are like perpetual motion machines in the frontcourt. Zirkze is only 23 years old, yet he seems to be playing a relaxed style of football. Being substituted early in this game is undoubtedly a humiliating experience for him.
In his last eight games for Manchester United, Zirkze has only scored one goal (a tap-in from two meters out against Tottenham). When Ten Hag was coaching Manchester United, he spent 42.5 million euros to sign his Dutch compatriot Zirkze, who is like a low-end version of Martial.