A 0-3 loss against fierce rivals Liverpool was the worst way for Manchester United to enter the international break and only three games into the season, Erik ten Hag is already feeling the heat.
There were familiar issues on display at Old Trafford on Sunday with the midfield wide open and susceptible to counter-attacks while the attacking players hardly looked like threatening the visitor’s goal.
Joshua Zirkzee was singled out for criticism with the 23-year-old missing a couple of presentable chances and generally looking like he is yet to come to terms with the pace of the English game.
While initial hiccups were always expected, the dangers of a manager forced to rely on a young newcomer had already been previously seen last season in the first few games of Rasmus Hojlund’s United career.
Zirkzee’s difficult start
It would have been better if INEOS had brought in additional firepower but that was not to be. The former Bologna ace, who is currently out representing the Netherlands on international duty, was asked about his difficult start to life in Manchester.
The striker revealed that the pressure to get results is immensely high at a club like United but backed Ten Hag to come good eventually.
The former Bayern Munich star revealed that fans are not aware of how the team is doing in training and that based on the coaching being received, it is only a matter of time before the group starts performing in games.
It must also be remembered that he started with a bang, scoring the winner against Fulham late in the game on his United debut. But since then, he was unlucky to be the cause of United’s downfall against Brighton followed by the damp display on Sunday.
Zirkzee still has faith in EtH
“The first few weeks it’s a matter of getting into your rhythm, getting to know everyone at the club, adapting quickly,” Zirkzee told Voetbal Primeur.
“The first game went well of course. That was of course crazy. It’s difficult at the moment. Everyone expects United to win. It’s a very big club, so that’s just part of it.
“If you see how we train, we are really going in the right direction. We have to show it on the field.”
Despite a slow start, Zirkzee can use the international break as a springboard to regain confidence. He needs minutes under the belt and he has dreams of gaining them regularly for his national team.
Zirkzee has national team dreams
“I just come here to train well and show my best side, just like at the European Championships, and then the choice is up to the trainer.
“That ultimately means becoming a striker for the Dutch team, that is the dream of every Dutch boy.”
It is good that someone is talking good about the team’s training as plenty of fans and experts seem to think not much is being done in terms of coaching at the club.
It would be great if the team can produce in the upcoming games against Southampton and Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. Strong showings would certainly dispel someone of the rumours surrounding the manager’s future.
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