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Man United have accidentally signed a player perfect for Amorim's system
Man United head coach Ruben Amorim might have stumbled across a solution to one particular problem he is facing.
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It goes without saying that Joshua Zirkzee was not the striker Manchester United needed last summer to provide support and competition for Rasmus Hojlund.
The Dane had enjoyed a productive first season at Old Trafford, scoring a respectable 16 goals, but there was still a feeling that he would benefit from being able to lean on a more established goal-getter as he continued to adjust to life in England.
Instead, United invested ÂŁ36.5million in Zirkzee, signing him from Bologna after a campaign that had seen him score 12 goals in 37 games. United supporters were fully prepared to give him a chance to prove his worth, noting the stark differences between his attributes and Hojlund's.
Zirkzee arrived at Old Trafford having developed a reputation for being a forward that likes to drop deep, collect possession and link play. That has been reflected in his tally of just five goals this season.
"I occasionally drop down to midfield," said Zirkzee, speaking ahead of the start of this season. "I don't do that for myself but to help the team.
"I am what I call a false striker. Not a No.9, not a No.10. I am a 9.5. That's my game."
Throughout his debut campaign in United colours, Zirkzee has demonstrated that he is not a natural No.9, despite being brought to Old Trafford to score goals.
At the time of Zirkzee's arrival, United were wedded to a 4-3-3 formation under former manager Erik ten Hag, meaning Zirkzee was directly competing with Hojlund to lead the attack. Arguments were put forward for him to try and prove his worth from the No.10 position, but that role, judging by Zirkzee's pre-season comments, would have limited him.
United have since transitioned to a 3-4-2-1 formation under Ruben Amorim. The system does not rely on wingers, with two No.10s playing fairly centrally and close to the centre-forward.
Amorim has continued to experiment with his team in recent months, not least his No.10s, with various combinations being used. Zirkzee has played as a No.10 twice, with his most recent opportunity coming during Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite being guilty of spurning a great opportunity in the second half that could have earned United a point, his performance was very encouraging. He held the ball up well, demonstrated a good sense of awareness and ended the game with an 81 per cent passing accuracy.
"I think Josh is not a clear nine, he played more as a No.10," said Amorim. "He's stronger physically, he's working really hard and he played in a better position for him and he's improving.
"He's winning more duels, he's even faster, and you feel it in the game."
United might have signed a player who can fill a role, particularly with Kobbie Mainoo and Amad now sidelined, that did not even exist at the start of the campaign.
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