"I'm still waiting to see it from him" - Arsenal legend Ian Wright explains why 23-year-old star will not 'make it' Manchester United
Arsenal icon Ian Wright has explained why Manchester United's new signing Joshua Zirkzee won't make it at Old Trafford. The Premier League icon reckons that the 23-year-old isn't a natural goalscorer and doesn't do anything to indicate that he can cut it at the club.
Recall that Manchester United splashed €42.50 million to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna during the summer transfer window. However, apart from scoring on his debut versus Fulham, the Dutchman has failed to find the back of the net after 14 games.
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, former Arsenal forward Ian Wright explained why the striker is unlikely to make it in the Red Devils jersey.
"Do you know something? When I look at the strikers at Manchester United, I look at [Rasmus] Hojlund and Zirkzee," he said. "Going forward, as a United player to take the club to the level they need to be – top-four, Champions League, title challengers – I can’t see in any formation Zirkzee making it from what I’ve seen so far."
"I can see it with Hojlund, he looks like a future player with better players around him. He gives me the impression that if he gets in and around the box and he gets chances, he can go hot. I don’t see the same with Zirkzee. I look at him and his movement, I don’t see anything in his game that makes me think, okay, there he is, I see what he can do. He’s definitely not a natural goalscorer. I’m still waiting to see it from him," added the former Arsenal striker.
It is worth noting that Ruben Amorim is expected to take over the reigns at Old Trafford following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag last week. It remains to be seen if the Portuguese will be able to get the best out of the team, especially misfiring players like Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford.
What is next for Arsenal and Manchester United?
Both Arsenal and Manchester United are busy in European action this week. The Gunners are scheduled to go head-to-head with Inter Milan in the Champions League group stage today (November 6) while the Red Devils will lock horns with PAOK in the Europa League tomorrow.
Following that, the two clubs will return to action in the Premier League at the weekend. Mikel Arteta's men will square it off with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (November 10) while Ruud van Nistelrooy's side will face Leicester City at Old Trafford on the same day.
As it stands, Arsenal occupies the fifth position in the Premier League table with 18 points from 10 games, having bagged five wins, three draws and two defeats so far. Manchester United, meanwhile are currently ranked in the 13th spot with 12 points from 10 games, with a record of three wins, three draws and four defeats.