Manchester United’s summer signing, Joshua Zirkzee, has been heavily criticized following a series of disappointing performances since his £36.5 million move from Bologna.
The 23-year-old forward, who began with promise, has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee’s arrival at Manchester United was expected to bolster their attack after a relatively successful stint at Bologna, where he netted 14 goals in 58 appearances.
His move was seen as a promising acquisition, especially with his international appearances for the Netherlands. However, his time at United has been far from stellar, and his inconsistency has led to harsh judgment from critics.
After scoring on his Premier League debut, Zirkzee failed to find the back of the net for over three months, only breaking his drought in a 4-0 win over Everton. His brief resurgence was followed by another low point—being substituted in the first half of a Premier League loss to Newcastle.
With his future at the club in question, rumors of a potential move to Juventus surfaced, signaling that his stint at Manchester United may be short-lived.
Ex-Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara didn’t hold back in his criticism, calling Zirkzee “one of the worst players” ever to wear the Manchester United shirt.
He added that the team is “absolutely terrible,” highlighting their defensive and midfield struggles, with only a few players like Amad Diallo showing any real promise.
O’Hara also expressed concerns over manager Ruben Amorim’s tactics, suggesting that the 3-4-3 formation might not be suitable for the Premier League’s fast-paced style.
Despite the criticism, Zirkzee has had some moments of redemption. He scored a penalty in the FA Cup victory over Arsenal, a win that sent the Gunners packing early in the competition.
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire offered support, assuring Zirkzee that the team believed in his ability to succeed despite the challenges.