Amorim challenges a Red to be ‘more selfish’

Amorim challenges a Red to be ‘more selfish’

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has praised Joshua Zirkzee’s development this season and challenged the Dutchman to improve further.

Zirkzee joined the club from Bologna last summer and memorably scored on his debut, with a winning goal against Fulham in front of Old Trafford’s Stretford End. So far, the Netherlands international has featured in 46 of our 48 fixtures across all competitions and scored six goals.

It’s fair to say Joshua has experienced some ups and downs throughout his maiden campaign as a Red – just like the team as a whole – but Amorim is encouraged by the big man’s development and influence on the team.

Ruben and Diogo’s press conference Video

Ruben and Diogo’s press conference

PRESS CONFERENCE | Ready for the first leg? You will be after watching Ruben Amorim and Diogo Dalot’s media briefing…

Zirkzee’s most important contribution this season is arguably his crucial goal in the Europa League last-16 first leg at Real Sociedad last month.

“I think he needs to be more selfish, and that is a thing when you play as a striker. He’s not a typical striker, but he has to be more selfish. He’s more aggressive now, he works better now, he’s defending better now, he’s connecting quite well. 

“He played as a striker in some games, especially against Arsenal he did really, really well. Then in some games, against [Real] Sociedad, he played as a 10, so he can adapt to different situations. So, I see that Josh is improving and showing good things.”

Will Zirkzee start against Lyon this evening? Find out when the line-ups are announced at 18:45 BST, just ahead of Match Day Live starting on MUTV from 18:55. Come on United! 

Essential viewing before the first leg:

• Why we need to talk about Casemiro Video

  Why we need to talk about Casemiro

  TRAINING CLIP | Casemiro’s rejuvenation has supported the influence of another Red, according to our pitchside duo…

• Is Mainoo about to return? Video

  Is Mainoo about to return?

  TRAINING CLIP | It’s great to see Kobbie Mainoo looking so fit and fresh at Carrington…

• Don’t miss this update on De Ligt Video

  Don’t miss this update on De Ligt

  TRAINING CLIP | Matthijs de Ligt was a notable absentee, prompting this debate about the centre-back position…

• Our Europa League journey so far Video

  Our Europa League journey so far

  ROAD TO BILBAO | Catch up on our Europa League journey so far, ahead of tonight’s quarter-final first leg…

Back to Top