0 shots on target, 0 key passes, 36% duels won: United blows rare opportunity in anemic showing

Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee struggled once again in the Premier League. Struggles Since signing for Manchester United in July 2024, Zirkzee has barely made an impact at Old Trafford. The 24-year-old has only scored a paltry nine goals in 73 appearances for the Red Devils. His statistics this season do not make for pleasant reading, as he has only managed two goals in 24 games. Performance The Dutchman was given a rare chance to start with Benjamin Sesko out of the squad due to a shin problem. Sadly, he could not make any sort of impact on the game, as he often cut an isolated figure in the Manchester United attack. He played 65 minutes of the match before being substituted for Patrick Dorgu. Zirkzee had one shot on goal in the first half when he headed over Matheus Cunha’s cross, but the chance was always drifting over the bar. He could not manage a shot on target in the match and was unable to complete any dribble attempts.The striker did carry the ball forward three times but did not complete any key passes in the match. In fact, he could only complete 11 passes in an anemic afternoon. Zirkzee was also weak in his duels, winning just four out of 11, and was also unable to compete in any tackles as he was frequently bullied by the Sunderland defence. Future In his post-match press conference, Carrick defended his striker, but it was objectively a missed opportunity for Zirkzee to show his worth. The former Bologna forward has been linked with a summer exit from Old Trafford and, on this performance, it is hard to argue that this would not be the best course of action for everyone involved. Joshua Zirkzee stats vs Sunderland StatisticValue Goals0 Expected goals (xG)0.08 Assists0 Expected assists (xA)0.01 Total shots1 Shots on target0 Shots blocked0 Touches25 Unsuccessful touches1 Dribbles (successful)0 (0) Was fouled1 Possession lost9 Total carrying distance13.8 m Carries3 Total progression1.3 m Key passes0 Crosses (accurate)0 (0) Accurate passes11/18 (61%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)9/15 (60%) Passes in own half (acc.)2/3 (67%) Defensive contributions2 Tackles (won)0 (0) Interceptions0 Clearances2 Blocked shots0 Ground duels (won)3 (1) Aerial duels (won)8 (3) Fouls1 Dribbled past0 Featured image George Wood via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.