Rúben Amorim may be mulling over an unexpected starting XI call as Manchester United travel to face Brentford in the Premier League this weekend.
Manchester United will set the tone for this weekend’s Premier League action when they make the trip to Brentford in West London on Saturday afternoon.
Rúben Amorim’s side have taken two wins, two losses and a draw from their opening fixtures, leaving them 11th in the table and struggling to find consistency.
Their successes have come from Bruno Fernandes’ late penalty against Burnley and last week’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea, a match tilted in their favour when Robert Sánchez was sent off.
Now, after that win against Enzo Maresca’s team, Amorim has the chance to lead United to back-to-back league victories for the first time in his tenure – a step that could finally help establish some momentum.
Zirkzee with perfect finishes in training
So far this season, United striker Joshua Zirkzee has made just three appearances for the Reds, all coming off the bench. But, according to Amorim’s reaction during club videos this week, the Dutchman has been impressing at Carrington.
With United yet to produce much in the way of goalscoring hauls so far this season, United released some training footage, which contained plenty of footage of United’s forward line finishing chances beyond the goalkeepers.
In one such clip (2:16), new signing Diego Leon was seen to put in a low and fast cross toward Zirkzee after being fed through by Mason Mount.
In the video, the camera immediately cuts to the head coach, who then shouts, “Come on! Perfect Josh, perfect Josh,” in appreciation for the well-timed finish.
Club insider Adam Marshall also praised Zirkzee for his striking efforts. After praising Benjamin Šeško for some of his work in training, Marshall commented: “Zirkzee was also in the zone with his shooting, firing home on a number of occasions and earning endorsement from the coaching staff for one expertly dispatched far-post finish.”
Amorim could start Zirkzee against Brentford
United started the season with Matheus Cunha taking the lead at centre-forward, although fellow new signing Šeško has started the club’s last two Premier League outings.
Against Chelsea, the Slovenian had to come off at half-time to compensate for Casemiro’s red card, which has led many to assume that he will then retain his place in front of goal for the trip to London on Saturday.
However, considering that the 22-year-old is yet to score for the Reds and the fixture against Brentford is likely to become a very physical one, Amorim may opt to start Zirkzee at centre-forward, as the Dutchman is more used to the Premier League’s physical battles.
Šeško has been good for United aside from his goals, having linked up well with his new teammates. However, with the player still learning how to handle the physical pressures of English football, starting Zirkzee after his “perfect” finishing in training may be a safer route for the head coach.
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