Manchester United hero unimpressed with summer signing; expects him to be benched soon

Manchester United’s new signing Joshua Zirkzee has come under harsh criticism from former star Paul Parker. Despite a challenging start to the European football season, United appeared to be getting back on track with convincing wins over Southampton (3-0) and Barnsley (7-0). However, consecutive draws against Crystal Palace and Twente in the Europa League have once again put the club under immense pressure.

A recurring issue for the Red Devils has been the underperformance of their attacking line. Despite having notable forwards like Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, and Rasmus Højlund in the squad, United have struggled to find the back of the net consistently. They’ve scored just 13 goals in their seven games across all competitions this season, and only five goals in their five Premier League matches—a worrying statistic for a team with such attacking talent.

Parker’s criticism highlights the mounting frustration among fans and pundits as United’s forwards continue to fall short of expectations. If the club is to turn things around and compete at the highest level, their front line will need to step up and start delivering the goals needed to secure consistent results.

Paul Parker is not impressed with Joshua Zirkzee

Parker expressed his doubts about Joshua Zirkzee’s role in Manchester United’s lineup, especially now that Rasmus Højlund has returned from injury. Speaking to Betting Expert, he questioned where the Dutch forward would fit into the team, suggesting that unless manager Erik ten Hag adjusts the tactical setup, it would be challenging to accommodate Zirkzee without sacrificing a wide player.

Parker’s comments underline the conundrum Ten Hag faces in balancing the squad’s attacking options. With Højlund now available and the need to maintain width in the formation, finding the right role for Zirkzee could prove difficult. If Ten Hag is to utilize both players effectively, he may need to rethink the team’s dynamics to ensure they can coexist without disrupting the overall balance of the side.

“Once Højlund is back from injury he will start because you need a focal point. He’s needed. I can’t see how Zirkzee gets in the team. Who do you take out to bring him in? Do you take out a wide player? Unless ten Hag changes the system I can’t see how Zirkzee plays and I don’t know his best position. Can he win the ball back? I look at him and when he starts games, his socks are around his ankles and he looks like he’s ran a half marathon before he’s even started a game. I’m not sure how fit he is. There’s no great burst in his runs or a change of pace. He’s very one paced. I just don’t know. Capello said the pace of the game in England has caught Zirkzee off guard.”

While Zirkzee has joined Manchester United, it remains uncertain how Erik Ten Hag will integrate him into the lineup. With stalwarts like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho already spearheading United’s attack and Rasmus Højlund back as the main striker, Zirkzee’s potential game time is in question.

Much will depend on Ten Hag, known for his unconventional decisions. Although Zirkzee’s role in the starting XI is not yet clear, it’s likely that he will still feature regularly, even if only as a substitute. The Dutch forward will be eager to make an impact, whether coming off the bench or seizing any starting opportunities that come his way.

The former Bologna striker is determined to prove himself in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. With plenty of talent in United’s attacking ranks, Zirkzee will need to make the most of his chances to establish himself at Old Trafford.

Ex-Man Utd star admits questions will be asked about Marcus Rashford and Erik ten Hag

Marcus Rashford started Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against FC Twente, while Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo started the last league game against Crystal Palace – raising fears he could be dropped against Tottenham

Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown says questions could soon be asked of Erik ten Hag if Marcus Rashford is dropped for a string of Premier League games.

Rashford started the team’s 1-1 draw against FC Twente in the Europa League on Wednesday night but is in danger of losing his place in the side after being benched for United’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace – despite netting three goals in two games prior.

That came after starting the 7-0 win over Barnsley before being picked to play from the off against Twente, with Alejandro Garnacho rested.

Amad Diallo and Garnacho both started on the wing in the draw against Palace – and with Rashford starting another in cup competition, Brown fears it might mean he will be dropped again for their next Premier League game against Tottenham.

He told Instant Casino: “I go to most of the United games, and I thought Marcus Rashford might’ve been rested against Barnsley, but he wasn’t, and then he was rested at the weekend against Crystal Palace. It’s just the way it goes – Garnacho and Diallo have been impressive so far so it’s difficult to drop them.”

‌Rashford got his confidence back after netting his first goal since March in the 3-0 win over Southampton earlier this month before netting a brace in the following game against Barnsley.

The 26-year-old had a difficult time in the last campaign, scoring just seven times in all competitions and failing to show consistency as he missed out on England’s Euro 2024 squad as a result.

With Rashford now in much better form, Brown – who played 362 times for the Red Devils between 1997 and 2011 – says questions could be soon asked of both Rashford and Ten Hag if the player continues to be left out of multiple games in a row.

He added he would have been “disappointed” to not start the Crystal Palace game but tipped him to up his training levels to prove Ten Hag wrong.

“Rashford would have wanted to play but it’s good to have competition – it’ll push him to get back on that scoring streak,” he added. “I’m sure he’ll be starting the next game, but if he misses three or four in a row, then you can start asking some questions.

“I would have been disappointed if I were him, though – I’m sure he’ll be stepping it up in training now.”

United were disappointed against Twente in their Europa League opener as Christian Eriksen’s opener was cancelled out by Sam Lammers. The Red Devils will hope to bounce back at home to Spurs this weekend.

Erik ten Hag told he’s still facing sack and advised to sell ‘unreliable’ Man Utd star

Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United suffered more frustration on Wednesday night as they dropped points at home to Twente in the Europa League to increase pressure on their manager

Manchester United’s next slump under Erik ten Hag could spell the end for the manager, pundit Mark Lawrenson claims.

United finished eighth in the Premier League last season under Ten Hag, leaving the Dutchman’s position under threat. However, victory in the FA Cup final secured European qualification and helped earn him a stay of execution.

The summer transfer window was United’s first under new ownership, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe taking charge of football affairs. Ten Hag was backed in the transfer market, with around £200m spent on new signings, but there’s still work to do on the pitch.

Ten Hag’s team have seven points from their first five league games, drawing with Crystal Palace in their most recent outing. Their Europa League campaign began on Wednesday against their manager’s former employers FC Twente, but early dominance wasn’t converted to victory as Sam Lammers rescued a point for the Dutch side.

“I think the treatment of Erik ten Hag over the summer wasn’t great,” Lawrenson told Sports Casting. “They were hawking around looking at potential suitors for Ten Hag’s job, I thought at one stage that he’d had enough and might just walk away. Since then, it looks like they’ve kissed and made up.

Lawrenson also argued it’s time for United to cash in on Luke Shaw. The England left-back has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, playing just 15 times since the start of last season, with his brief international return at Euro 2024 followed by a fresh setback.

“I think United will be looking for a replacement for Luke Shaw given he’s suffered yet another injury,” the former Liverpool defender added. “He made the Euros in the end but if you’ve got players like him who are very rarely fit, you can’t rely on them.