Manchester United have got a “master” in position Erik ten Hag needs, says pundits

One Manchester United player has been praised as a “master” in a position that Erik ten Hag’s side clearly needs.

The Reds have had a somewhat inconsistent start to the Premier League season, winning only two of their first five games.

A dominant 7-0 victory over League One side Barnsley secured their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round.

Erik ten Hag’s squad now shift their focus to another competition, as they prepare to compete in the Europa League against FC Twente this week.

One player who has managed to settle into the club in the last month is new signing Joshua Zirkzee, who signed from Bologna in the summer window.

The Dutchman’s best performance came away at Crystal Palace and Ten Hag was criticised for substituting the striker.

Zirkzee praises as a master in link-up

Zirkzee’s link-up play has been the main feature of his United career so far and it appears that his old manager Thiago Motta, who moved to Juventus in the summer, is missing that profile.

The Italian side have won just two of their opening five Serie A fixtures and while they are yet to concede a goal in the league, their attacking play has left a lot to be desired.

La Gazzetta dello Sport has relayed comments from former England manager Fabio Capello and ex-Italian international Riccardo Montolivo, who both believe Motta is missing the genius of Zirkzee in his attacking play.

“The Bianconeri are still too slow in circulating the ball and have little quality in the attacking midfield,” Capello said.

“Dusan Vlahovic is not Zirkzee. He is a penalty area bomber and not an exceptional maneuverer.”

Montolivo added: “Can he do Zirkzee’s job in Bologna? No, they are different players. Vlahovic does not have the ability to link the game.

“If he has a flaw, it is in the game with his back to the goal. That is, in defending the ball and linking with his teammate, things in which Zirkzee is a master.”

Zirkzee’s linkup needed in Man Utd setup

United’s offensive play, while not scoring, looked at its best in a good while against Palace on the weekend and most of that was down to the link-up play that Zirkzee provided.

The no.11 can compliment other United forwards like Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford. We saw how the attack fell apart at Selhurst Park after he was replaced.

While goals are the most important currency, United look more dominant in the final third with Zirkzee in the team, and when you are dominant, the goals will eventually start coming.

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