Barring perhaps Noussair Mazraoui, each of Manchester United’s summer signings have endured turbulent starts to their Old Trafford careers.
The likes of Mazroui and Matthijs de Ligt were essentially thrown straight into the mix with a starting role, though the latter was dropped at Villa Park on Sunday following a torrid run of games.
As for Joshua Zirkzee, he got off to a flying start when opening his account on his debut in August, scoring a late winner off the bench in front of the adoring Stretford End to seal a crucial three points over Fulham on opening day. However, he has yet to replicate such a high.
Upon swapping Bologna for the Red Devils, the Dutch international would’ve been well aware that he would play second in command to first-choice No.9 Rasmus Hojlund. Yet, neither of their form at present has really warranted a permanent place in the starting XI, with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford outscoring both the out-and-out centre-forwards.
Paul Scholes, who doesn’t shy away from voicing his doubts over United’s players, has questioned the acquisition of £105,000-a-week Zirkzee.
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“In forward areas especially, I just don’t think the quality is there,” the club legend began, as cited by the Metro. “We go back to the most successful teams, [and] they’re capable of scoring goals. What have we scored? Five goals in seven games.
“Now we had three or four forwards who could get you 20 goals, so you’re looking at 80 goals a season there, and I just don’t see that in the forward line at Manchester United.
“Look, Hojlund does alright, but is he going to score you 20 goals? I don’t think so. Zirkzee… what is he? Is he a No.9 or a No.10? Is he going to get you 20 goals? I don’t think so. I think they’re relying more on hope than actual proven quality – and they spent so much money as well.”
