Bruno Fernandes has been proven right about one of his “quality” Manchester United teammates following a series of fantastic performances under Rúben Amorim.
Rúben Amorim’s opening few months at Manchester United have been anything but smooth.
A large issue the head coach has suffered from in the last three months is that, although performances from individuals have been fantastic, the team have failed to put in cohesive and consistent performances.
While United remain the only club in the Champions League and Europa League who have not lost a game in Europe this season, the side are yet to win back to back games in the Premier League.
Those such as Bruno Fernandes, Amad, and Matthijs de Ligt have had fantastic bouts of form, but individual errors have often cost the team.
Fernandes proven right about “quality” teammates
Another player who has wowed fans in the last few weeks is Joshua Zirkzee. Initially signed as a striker, the 23-year-old has reinvented himself as a wide attacking midfielder under Amorim and has been pivotal to recent successes against Real Sociedad and others.
However, the Dutchman’s time at United has not been all rainbows and candy. Earlier this year, the player was labelled as a transfer mistake, and captain Fernandes had to come to the defence of Zirkzee after he was substituted against Newcastle just 33 minutes into the tie and cheered off by Old Trafford fans.
Fernandes explained earlier this year that Zirkzee just needs a little more time to adapt to life in England before his “quality” can shine through.
“I was in the stands [against Newcastle] and have never seen something like this,” Fernandes said. “And it really frustrates and annoys me because he is a player who always gives his all.
“As a player coming into the team from a different league, he needs time to adapt but he has huge qualities.
“He hasn’t shown all the quality but it can’t be, from the first game of the season, everyone was hyping him as one of the best strikers and now everyone doesn’t believe in him anymore. We do believe in him inside the dressing room.”
Zirkzee has become essential to Amorim
In the last few weeks, Zirkzee has made himself an essential cog in Amorim’s system, as well as someone who the Old Trafford crowd appreciates.
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Since he dropped further back into playing an attacking midfield role instead of as a striker, the 23-year-old has become a spearhead of United’s attack, using his tall and strong presence as well as dazzling ball control to give United a clear edge in matches.
His movement, passing, and general footballing IQ has allowed him to link well with those around him, and his strong presence in attack has helped United battle out hard-fought wins and turn the tables when the club have been losing.
He has also helped introduce a calm presence into United’s attacking line of late, offering assurance and flair in the absence of star attacker Amad.
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