Manchester United produced arguably their best game under Ruben Amorim, coming back from a goal down to thrash Real Sociedad 4-1 in their Europa League Round of 16 second-leg tie at Old Trafford on Thursday.
The Red Devils won 5-2 on aggregate and set up a mouthwatering quarterfinal clash against Olympique Lyon.
The head coach will be delighted with what he saw from his side, especially the connection between Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu.
When Alejandro Garnacho has played on that flank, he has often overlooked the Dane’s runs to try and go at it alone but not the Dutchman.
Zirkzee was superb
He often tried to link up with the pacey wingback and their great chemistry led to Jon Aramburu’s red card on the night that changed the complexion of the game.
Ever since Amorim decided to use the Netherlands international as a No 10 instead of a striker, the 23-year-old has looked like a revelation.
He dropped deep to hold on to the ball, using his quick feet to evade tackles before utilising the speed of his teammates to devastating effect.
The former Bologna ace completed three successful dribbles, the most he has enjoyed in a single game this season.
The Dutch star also had four shots in total with two of them on target while one was blocked and the other was brilliantly saved by the Spanish goalkeeper.
Turned his career around
His passing was immaculate, as the summer signing completed three key passes while creating one big chance. He was unlucky not to grab an assist with Rasmus Hojlund failing to find the back of the net from a brilliant setup.
Both of Zirkzee’s long balls attempts were successful while he also won five duels in total. He also completed one clearance (all stats via sofascore).
From that fateful night against Newcastle last year, the former Bayern Munich starlet has certainly come a long way and now he seems to be among the first names on the team-sheet.
Amorim and the United fans will be expecting a lot more from him moving forward as the Red Devils target a strong finish to what has been a disappointing campaign thus far.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
