Michael Carrick’s non-selection of Joshua Zirkzee in Manchester United’s defeat to Hull City must prompt questions over his future.
With Manchester United 2-0 down against Hull City, Michael Carrick rang the changes in the second half.
Marcus Rashford, Shea Lacey and Benjamin Sesko were among the attacking substitutes thrown on. Carrick used his maximum of five – and Joshua Zirkzee was not among them.
Zirkzee has struggled to convince during his two years at Manchester United, and the appointment of Carrick as head coach did not change his fortunes.
For the first time in his United career, Zirkzee had a full pre-season. But it has not changed his standing at Manchester United.
Joshua Zirkzee snubbed vs Hull
During pre-season Joshua Zirkzee was available for all six Manchester United games, starting in three and scoring twice.
Benjamin Sesko did not play a single minute during pre-season due to fitness issues.
Both players were named on the bench for United’s opener, and Sesko was still the one called upon with the team chasing a goal.
Sesko was clearly lacking sharpness, and it could have been the wrong call from Carrick – but it was an understandable one.
United were clearly lacking a physical threat against Hull. It’s doubtful there were many United fans calling ‘let’s get Joshua Zirkzee on’.
And that cuts straight to the heart of the issue. Zirkzee has not shown that he is a game changer, a player who makes United stronger.
And if Michael Carrick does not believe in him, what is the point in him being here?
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Why Ineos must make Zirkzee decision
Manchester United have a big squad, and Joshua Zirkzee feels like a superfluous part.
He was used by Michael Carrick last season only as a player to held United try and retain possession at the end of games. He was not, and is not a player who the coach trusts.
So while the transfer window is open, Ineos need to make a change.
Sell or loan Joshua Zirkzee, and bring in a hand-picked striker to support Sesko who Carrick does rate, who he is willing to use.
There is no point in Zirkzee warming the bench for a coach who would only use him as a last resort.
There is time for United to try and strike a deal for a replacement while the transfer window is open.
From a young striker like Nicolo Tresoldi, to a proven Premier League veteran like Jean-Philippe Mateta, there are options.
Carrick has made his feelings quite clear.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/Vfzi9Gu