'Doesn't even have time': Fabio Capello explains why £37m star is struggling at Manchester United
Manchester United played out a frustrating 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Manager Erik ten Hag made four changes, including Joshua Zirkzee, who was handed a surprise start up front ahead of Rasmus Hojlund.
While the Dutchman provided the assist for Christian Eriksen’s stellar strike, he was largely non-existent during the game.
Zirkzee won just two out of eight duels contested while losing possession on seven occasions. He was substituted early alongside centre-back Victor Lindelof.
In his ‘Focus’ column on Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello highlighted Zirkzee’s shortcomings.
He said: “After Bologna’s defeat at Aston Villa, I asked Vincenzo Italiano (Bologna manager) what impression he had of the two English teams he faced immediately, Aston Villa and Liverpool. He replied: ‘They run, they go faster, they have a different pace’.
“Go watch Zirkzee play in the Premier League and tell me if he seems like the same player we admired in Bologna – in Italy, he did what he wanted.
“In England, he doesn’t even have time to think about the play before the ball is stolen from him. More or less the same thing happens to our teams.”
Zirkzee set to be replaced by Hojlund on Sunday
United will return to Premier League action at West Ham United on Sunday.
Zirkzee is expected to drop to the bench, with Hojlund poised to lead the line once more.
Hojlund has netted two goals from his previous three starts in all competitions for United.
Zirkzee had the perfect debut with a late winner off the bench against Fulham, but he has failed to score since then.
The £37 million signing has impressed with his high pressing and positioning but has been slow with his decision-making. He should consider Hojlund as an example.
The Dane was prone to missing scoring opportunities last seeason, but he improved his finishing and went on a stunning eight-match scoring streak at one point.
Hojlund’s progress was hampered by a muscle injury, but he seems to be getting back to his best form. The ex-Atalanta man should be an undisputed starter in the league games if he stays unscathed.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.
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