"Someone atleast understands him", "Can take a joke" - Fans react as Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee likes TikTok mocking him
Manchester United fans have commended and teased Joshua Zirkzee for seemingly seeing the funny side of a TikTok mocking his positioning. The Dutch striker liked the video, which pokes fun at his positional awareness.
The clip was posted by @11able's TikTok and Instagram account, where he uploads daily football skits. This one made light of Zirkzee with the Red Devils' summer signing failing to get in the correct position.
The pretend Zirkzee ends up on the far left flank as the attackers move forward, and one asks:
"Why are you over there?"
It's a clever comedic sketch that appears to have gone down well with Zirkzee. The Netherlands international liked the post on Instagram but hasn't responded in the comments section.
The 23-year-old joined Manchester United from Bologna in the summer in a reported £35.3 million deal. He made a stunning start at Old Trafford with a winning goal on his debut in a 1-0 victory against Fulham.
However, Zirkzee has struggled to lead the line since that game, with question marks over his movement and positioning. He's failed to replicate the form that preceded him in Serie A.
Fans were pleased he hadn't taken the video to heart and instead may have found it funny. One fan wrote in response:
"It shows he can take a joke."
Another fan joked:
"Zirkzee liked it coz someone at least understands him."
More fans chimed in on X (formerly Twitter):
Zirkzee is reportedly open to leaving Manchester United for Juventus in January
Zirkzee has only been at Manchester United for four months, but speculation is growing over his future. His lack of form under Erik Ten Hag has been concerning, with just one goal in 11 games across competitions.
Italian journalist Daniele Longo of Calciomercato.com reports that Zirkzee is interested in joining Juventus in January. He wants to work with his former Bologna coach, Thiago Motta, who took over at the Allianz Stadium in the summer.
Rasmus Hojlund has impressed recently, which puts Zirkzee's chances of a prominent starting role at United in doubt. Italian football icon Paulo Di Canio lambasted the club for signing the Dutchman and urged Juve to swoop.
A consensus growing within the Red Devils fanbase is that the recruitment team misprofiled Zirkzee. It's still early days, but it's telling of his difficult start that he's already linked with a quick Old Trafford exit.