Joshua Zirkzee’s International Success Offers Tactical Blueprint for Manchester United
Manchester United’s struggles to find the back of the net this season have been evident, with a lack of creativity and missed opportunities costing them points.
Joshua Zirkzee, who began his United career with early promise, has since seen his form dip, while Rasmus Højlund remains sidelined due to injury.
However, a recent standout performance for the Netherlands national team could provide Erik ten Hag with a fresh approach on how to better utilize Zirkzee.
In a 5-2 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zirkzee delivered a history-making performance, creating four chances and recording both a goal and an assist in 74 minutes.
Zirkzee’s ability to drop deep, link up play, and involve his teammates was on full display. His goal, a brilliant piece of instinctive finishing, highlighted his ability to make the most of unpredictable situations. His movement in the penalty area, with eight touches inside the box, consistently troubled the Bosnian defense.
1+1 – All players on record (since 1978) with a goal and an assist on their starting debut for @OnsOranje:
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) September 7, 2024
Klaas Jan Huntelaar in 2006 (⚽️⚽️🅰️🅰️)
Bas Dost in 2015 (⚽️🅰️)
Vincent Janssen in 2016 (⚽️🅰️)
Joshua Zirkzee tonight (⚽️🅰️)
Impact. pic.twitter.com/j8Vtzp3ywv
The Netherlands operated in a 4-2-3-1 system similar to Ten Hag’s preferred formation at Manchester United. Zirkzee thrived with dynamic attackers like Xavi Simons, Cody Gakpo, and Tijjani Reijnders behind him—players similar in profile to United’s Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Bruno Fernandes.
While Zirkzee has faced criticism at Old Trafford for dropping too deep and not being the out-and-out clinical striker many expect, his performance for the Dutch side shows his strengths as a forward who excels in linking play and creating chances.
To unlock Zirkzee’s potential, Ten Hag may need to adjust United’s tactical system to play to the striker’s strengths rather than trying to fit him into a role that limits his natural abilities.
Though Bosnia and Herzegovina may not be of Premier League caliber, the game showed that when Zirkzee’s strengths are utilized, he can be highly effective. If United can implement this approach, it could help address their attacking issues and bring out the best in the young Dutch striker.
Joshua Zirkzee’s International Success Offers Tactical Blueprint for Manchester United
