Joshua Zirkzee has sent Manchester United fans into a frenzy after he posted two brilliant messages to Bruno Fernandes after his Europa League heroics on Thursday evening.
Manchester United have put one foot in the Europa League final after a dominant 3-0 victory over Athletic Club in Bilbao, producing a clinical and composed performance in the first leg of their semi-final clash under Rúben Amorim.
The Reds thought they had the perfect start when Alejandro Garnacho scored inside five minutes, but his goal was chalked off for offside. United didn’t lose momentum, though—Casemiro opened the scoring after Harry Maguire surged forward and delivered a superb ball into the box.
Not long after, Rasmus Højlund won a penalty following a foul by Dani Vivian, who was sent off for the challenge. Bruno Fernandes converted from the spot, then added a second just before half-time to make it 3-0.
Athletic Club showed more intent after the break, but Amorim’s men stayed organised and professional, seeing out the match with authority to leave themselves in full control of the tie heading into the second leg.
United fans are loving Zirkzee’s reaction
Joshua Zirkzee had become a crucial player in United’s system before his hamstring injury, having scored in both away legs of United’s knockout ties against Real Sociedad and Olympique Lyonnais.
However, the Dutch striker made sure to show fans just how invested he remains in his new club, uploading some hilarious content surrounding Fernandes’ two strikes on the night against Athletic Club.
The first came with the 23-year-old filming his TV as Fernandes stepped up to take his penalty, repeating the phrase “never in doubt” before the captain slotted home.
Next, following the 30-year-old’s second of the night, the Dutchman then relayed a message of support to Fernandes, filming the goal once again from his TV with the caption “my captain” amid screaming from others watching in the background, much to the delight of United fans.
Zirkzee is a fan favourite at Old Trafford
Zirkzee’s start to life at United was a tough one, as the player struggled to settle at the club amid the turbulence.
Read More: Ruben Amorim praises three Manchester United stars who helped “nervous” duo vs Athletic Club
Once Erik ten Hag was dismissed and replaced by Amorim, the striker still failed to prove himself, and he hit a real low after being substituted after just 33 minutes during a 3-0 loss against Newcastle in December.
However, he has since fought back to become a fan favourite at United as he has become more comfortable and confident with life in England after leaving Italy.
It was mighty unfortunate to see the player succumb to injury after gaining fantastic momentum in the opening months of 2025. Still, there is little doubt he will be able to kick on from pre-season ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
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