Joshua Zirkzee has revealed why one player was crucial to Manchester United’s season, stating that the season would have been even worse without him.
Manchester United’s season was the worst the team has seen in Premier League history, despite the poor form the club experienced in previous years under Erik ten Hag.
Rúben Amorim has attempted to prepare the club for the coming years by rigidly adhering to his system, unlike ten Hag, who altered his system after poor performances against Brighton and Brentford in his opening two games.
Some players have proven to be crucial to the system, especially towards the end of the season: Casemiro’s leadership from the centre of midfield proved to be crucial, with the Brazilian spearheading United to victory against Olympique Lyonnais.
Harry Maguire, also crucial in the brilliant comeback, has been the starting central defender for the majority of the season, even when Matthijs de Ligt was available for selection.
Amad also proved to be one of the keys to United’s success, with the Red Devils seriously struggling in the absence of the Ivorian after his brilliant performances under Amorim.
Zirkzee names Fernandes as the most important player
In an interview with the club, Joshua Zirkzee stated that Bruno Fernandes was the reason United didn’t play even worse than they already showed, being the only real shining light under Amorim.
“I think everyone knows how much more difficult this season could have been without Bruno,” said the former Bologna forward. “A great player. For the big player that he is, he’s still so humble and normal.
“You can always joke around with him. He’s always talking. As a teammate on the pitch, he might scream at you, but there will never be a moment where he will disrespect you.”
Zirkzee added: “He will always have your back, and that’s exactly what a captain is supposed to do. He does everything for the team: running, fighting.
“Everything is for the team, and that I respect so much. Not the greatest Uno player, but a couple more trips and he’ll improve! [laughs] But Bruno is a very special player.”
Fernandes has been crucial to Zirkzee’s resurgence
Back in December, Zirkzee was subbed off after just 33 minutes at Old Trafford, in United’s embarrassing 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United, and many thought his Red Devils career was over.
However, the Dutchman returned to the bench due to the words spoken to him by Fernandes, who rushed down from the director’s box to the dressing room when the sub happened, the captain was serving a suspension against Newcastle.
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As reported by Laurie Whitwell, Fernandes spoke to Zirkzee and said that he should return to the bench, motivating the forward to go back out there after being booed by over 70,000.
Fernandes has been crucial to any good that United have done since his arrival and by staying at the club could massively help Amorim return the club to where they should be.
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