27 minutes of Zirkzee

In just over 20 minutes on the pitch, Joshua Zirkzee still managed to leave a clear mark with his connecting style of play, something Manchester United are most lacking.

Zirkzee doesn't need to hold onto the ball for long. He chooses to touch it just enough, pass quickly, and move intelligently to create space in front of him.

27 minutes isn't a long enough time to create spectacular statistics. But in top-level football, especially at Manchester United currently, value sometimes lies in whether a player can get the game moving again.

Joshua Zirkzee achieved this against Leeds United in the 20th round of the Premier League on January 4th, even though he only came on as a substitute.

22 touches, 20 passes, 14 accurate passes. These numbers may not seem impressive at first glance, but in the context of Manchester United struggling to maintain control of the game, they take on a different meaning.

Zirkzee doesn't need to hold onto the ball for long. He chooses to touch it just enough, pass quickly, and move intelligently to create space in front of him.

The most notable aspect was the five passes into the final third of the pitch. Manchester United have played far too many games where the ball is set up right in front of this area.

Zirkzee isn't the type of center forward who just waits for the ball in the penalty box. He drops back, draws the central defenders with him, creating space for the second line of attack.

When Zirkzee came on, the flow was restored. Two chances were created, one of which was a clear-cut opportunity, and it culminated in an assist. It wasn't a random moment, but the result of better situational reading than his teammates had shown before.

Zirkzee isn't the type of center forward who just waits for the ball in the penalty box. He drops back, draws the central defenders with him, creating space for the second line of attack.

This is especially important for Manchester United right now, as their wing attackers are often neutralized and the midfield lacks link-up play. His arrival forces Leeds to make adjustments, even though time is running out.

From a tactical perspective, Zirkzee's 27 minutes showed a clearer direction for Manchester United. With a number 9 who can hold up the ball, pass, and position himself well, the players around him find it easier to play. The ball movement is no longer forced, and attacks have the necessary pauses. United are less rushed and less panicked.

It's worth noting that Zirkzee doesn't play flashy football. He doesn't dribble much, nor does he shoot constantly. He chooses to work quietly, but effectively.

Zirkzee doesn't play flashy football. He doesn't dribble much, nor does he shoot constantly. He chooses to work quietly, but effectively.

In a team lacking stability, that's a rare quality. Manchester United doesn't lack players who want to be the center of attention. They lack players who know how to provide support.

Of course, 27 minutes can't be the final measure. Zirkzee needs more time, more games to prove he deserves a bigger role.

But in the current context, every small sign deserves recognition. An assist, a few well-placed passes, and most importantly, the feeling that the team plays more cohesively when he's on the pitch.

Manchester United are in a phase where they need details like that. Not grand promises, but concrete contributions, however brief. Zirkzee, with 27 minutes against Leeds, sent a clear message: he could be the solution to the connection problem that Old Trafford has been struggling with for some time.

Source: https://znews.vn/27-phut-cua-zirkzee-post1616756.html