‘Where do they play him?’ – Paul Merson advises Erik ten Hag to leave out new signing vs Brentford

Joshua Zirkzee joined Manchester United in the summer and scored on his Premier League debut against Fulham, but the Dutch striker has had no shortage of criticism since making the move to England.

The expectations that come with playing for United weigh down on many players. It’s still far too early that say this is the case for Zirkzee, though.

At 23, Zirkzee joined from Bologna, and like any new signing, he needs time to adjust to his new surroundings in the Premier League. It doesn’t help that the players around him are underperforming, and Erik ten Hag will try to address that issue in the coming weeks.

The goal against Fulham remains Zirkzee’s only goal for United since he completed his £36m switch over the summer.

Joshua Zirkzee position in doubt?

With Rasmus Hojlund back fit, former Arsenal star turned pundit Paul Merson claims the Dane should start against Brentford this weekend and that he doesn’t know where Zirkzee’s best position is. It’s a strange admission for a pundit who claims to have followed Zirkzee’s time in Italy.

Merson also predicts Saturday’s game to end 2-2 at Old Trafford.

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson said: “Brentford can score again in the first minute this weekend!

“If that happens, you never know what’s next for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United. Brentford are free flowing, they will score at Old Trafford, that’s for sure.

“But the problem is that whenever they take the lead, they just can’t seem to hold on to it and win. 

“Manchester United can’t win a game for a toffee anyway, so I’m going for a 2-2 draw in this one.

“I expect Brentford to cause them problems throughout this game. In terms of Ten Hag’s future, I think he’s alright now. Thomas Tuchel has joined England so that’s another top manager unavailable now.

“If Manchester United get beat by Brentford and they sack him, that’s not the right way to run the club in my opinion. Now that they’ve decided to back him beyond the international break, I’d be shocked if that happens too.

“A club like Manchester United should not be worried about teams like Brentford, it should be their rivals at the top. It being the opposite now is the harsh reality of where they are as a club. 

“Joshua Zirkzee did well at Bologna, but it’s a different game here in England and especially at Manchester United.

“You’re always under the microscope at this club, if you miss a chance or not get a chance, it’s always a talking point.

“What’s his best position? Where do they play him? You’ve also got Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, so that’s four players fighting to be in that front-three. 

“And no matter who among them Ten Hag decides to drop, he always gets stick, which is a bit unfortunate.

“Against Brentford, I’d choose Hojlund over Zirkzee. He’s a better finisher in my opinion and Manchester United will need goals to win this one because Brentford are definitely scoring.”

We’ll support Zirkzee like we do with any new signing, especially a player who is still in his development years.

The Denmark manager recently warned that patience is required with Hojlund after missing the start of the season with a hamstring injury. Some pundits clearly have no patience.