Joshua Zirkzee has spoken about his true feelings on playing as a striker and as an attacking midfielder under Rúben Amorim at Manchester United.
Under Ruben Amorim, Joshua Zirkzee has played as a striker and in behind as one of the two attacking midfielders.
Zirkzee originally dropped deeper in Ruben Amorim’s opening game against Ipswich, he was substituted on with Rasmus Hojlund, the first time the two had played together.
Since then, the former Bayern Munich player has had to play as a number 10 due to injuries to other attacking options. Amad and Mason Mount are two players who could play in that position, but both have had recent spells on the sidelines.
Many fans now believe Zirkzee plays his best football behind the centre forward, but he starts up front against Nottingham Forest tonight, with Hojlund on the bench.
Zirkzee speaks on favoured position
Before United take on Forest, Zirkzee was asked about his ideal position in Amorim’s system.
“It’s difficult to say because I’ve been playing the 10 position. I’m playing the striker position today, so I would say I’m a bit in between. I just want to win, so it doesn’t really matter what position I play. I think my connection with the team is most important. I just enjoy playing football and being creative.”
While the Dutchman doesn’t seem to mind where he plays, he does have specific responsibilities for each position.
When asked about his duties as a striker, Zirkzee said, “He [Amorim] doesn’t want me to drop too deep. He did tell me, you’re a striker today, so you know number 10. So I’ve got to be in the box, and I think that’s where my improvements are, to be more in the box. Yeah, just get chances, shoot.”
Hojlund waiting in the wings
While Zirkzee starts the game upfront, Hojlund will likely feature off the bench and lead the line when he comes on.
Read More: Ruben Amorim reveals why Rasmus Højlund is dropped for Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest
The Dane will be hungry to continue his momentum after scoring in the last game before the international break against Leicester City.
United’s number nine also scored for his country in Denmark’s 1-0 victory over Portugal before losing the quarter-final in the second leg.
Also included on the bench is Harry Maguire on his return from injury, as well as youngster Harry Amass after making his debut against Leicester. Sekou Kone makes the bench, looking to make his debut after several impressive under-21s performances.
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