£105k-a-week United man’s lacklustre form is now having implications on his national team, claims ex-Ajax pundit

Joshua Zirkzee is getting slack from every which way after hitting a stagnant run of form early in his Manchester United career.

The 23-year-old got off to a start that most players could only dream of when he scored a late winner off-the-bench at the Stretford End on his Red Devils debut in August, sealing a crucial three points on the opening day of the 2024/2025 term.

That victory over Fulham would end up being one of only two victories for United in their first seven matches of the campaign, with it now looking as though Zirkzee’s contribution papered over the cracks of a still-struggling side. 

As for the forward’s personal record, he is yet to add to his account in his subsequent nine appearances in all competitions and is now left vying for a starting spot up front since Rasmus Hojlund made his return from injury.

Zirkzee set United back £36.5 million in July when he arrived from Bologna on a five-year deal. It’s thought that he takes home around £105,000 per week, according to Capology, which ranks him on the lower side of United’s monstrous wage list.

A three-capped Netherlands international, the No.11 has still been called up to represent his nation for their forthcoming Nations League double-header despite his considerable lack of goals. Whether or not he’ll be utilised in either fixture, though, remains to be seen.

Zirkzee’s lacklustre form will add pressure to Liverpool compatriot

Ex-Ajax player Kenneth Perez has voiced his concerns over Zirkzee’s recent performances, along with how his compatriot, Brian Bobbey, who is yet to score in the Eredivisie, is faring.

“They both made it very difficult for him (Koeman). Just not in terms of goals,” Perez told Voetbal Primeur.

“They don’t score goals, and that is a requirement for a striker. If Brobbey had not been so good against Germany, Zirkzee might have become the striker. But it is not a problem that you have two young strikers, is it?

“Then you can alternate. You can look at who is in shape at that moment. It is hoped that one of the two will score goals at some point. There is now a lot on [Cody] Gakpo’s shoulders when it comes to scoring goals, and from midfield, you cannot expect [Tijjani] Reijnders to score every time.”