Owen Hargreaves has called for Rúben Amorim to reintroduce one Manchester United star following their 1-1 draw against Leeds on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United had to accept a 1-1 draw against Leeds on Sunday afternoon after Brenden Aaronson and Matheus Cunha found the net at either end.
The eagerly awaited fixture began at a high tempo, with United coping well with Leeds’ aggressive approach and competing strongly in the early stages. Chances fell to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Cunha, but both sides were unable to make their pressure count in the first half.
The contest remained evenly balanced after the restart until Leeds finally broke the deadlock through Aaronson. United wasted little time in responding, however, as Cunha struck back to draw Rúben Amorim’s side level with 25 minutes still to play.
Despite both teams searching for a late winner, a lack of cutting edge in the final third meant neither could find a decisive goal, and the points were ultimately shared.
Zirkzee must start for United, says Hargreaves
Joshua Zirkzee had a slow start to the season, barely playing 90 minutes in the opening few months. However, an injury to Benjamin Šeško in November saw the Dutchman given a chance, and he has scored two goals and provided one assist in his eight appearances since.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the Leeds draw, former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves said he believes Zirkzee must start in the next few games, calling his 20-minute cameo “brilliant”.
“Every time he plays, I think he makes something happen,” Hargreaves said. “I think he’s a good ball player. When he gets on the ball, he makes things happen.
“I think he’s a smart player, he’s a ball carrier. And he made a huge difference into this side. You know, he opens things up, he gets into good positions. And we said before, again, get bodies in the box. He allows you to do that because they get bodies up there in numbers.
“And I just thought he gave the team technically something which they didn’t have in the first half. Dorgu was playing in that position [right attacking midfield] – that’s not his game; he’s a left back or a left wing back. Zirkzee, I thought he had a big impact on the game.”
Zirkzee helps Šeško play better
Continuing, former Manchester City goalkeeper expanded on Zirkzee’s wider impact on the side.
Read More: Joe Hart explains hidden Benjamin Šeško moment vs Leeds that was ‘perfection’, it’s a positive sign
He stated that the Leeds game was proof that the 24-year-old also brought out the best in Benjamin Šeško, as he helps the Slovenian striker feel more comfortable on the pitch.
“I think he played well with Šeško,” Hart commented. “Šeško was looking for those one-touch passes, looking for predictable play. And I think that he allowed him to come into the game.
“Šeško looked a lot more comfortable when Zirkzee was with him.”
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