MANCHESTER UNITED flop Joshua Zirkzee has been dubbed a “champion of losing the ball” after his performance against Tottenham.
Dutchman Frank de Boer, who Jose Mourinho once labelled “the Prem’s worst ever manager” fired a scathing attack on new boy Zirkzee.
Zirkzee’s poor United displays have swiftly come under-fire, despite netting a late winner from the bench on his debut against Fulham.
He frequently gave up possession in United’s 3-0 hammering by Spurs, even kicking the ball out of play on two occasions without any pressure.
Zirkzee was removed at half-time after Bruno Fernandes’ red card – which has since been overturned – saw Casemiro enter the fray.
And De Boer was less than impressed with the 23-year-old’s display against Ange Postecoglou’s men.
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De Boer told Viaplay: “Look at Joshua Zirkzee. He was having a nightmare. He was absolutely shocking.
“How many times does he make the wrong choices on the pitch?
“Okay, he did have one shot at goal and the keeper saved it. But all in all he was champion in losing the ball.
“During the warm-up before the game, I was watching him and he was shooting on goal but he was blasting it anywhere but on target.
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“Honestly, he did not hit the target once in the warm-up. That was terrible.
“When you are a good striker, you don’t have to blast every ball, you have to make sure your shots are in the corner.
“During the game Marcus Rashford tried to shoot like that. Zirkzee never did.”
The former Bologna striker joined United for 36.5m this summer, but looks way off the pace for Prem football.
Erik ten Hag’s compatriot De Boer was also heavily critical of the United boss after the game.
He added: “United look like a team that are wobbling everywhere.
“They have been totally outclassed, and I am talking about being outclassed tactically, in quality, in effort and energy. Where weren’t they outclassed?”
Mourinho once lambasted De Boer’s own managerial credentials in 2018, after his criticism of Rashford during the Special One’s time at United.
Look at Joshua Zirkzee. He was having a nightmare. He was absolutely shocking.
Frank de Boer
Hitting back at De Boer, Mourinho said: “I read something, some quote from the worst manager in the history of the Premier League, Frank De Boer.
“If Rashford was coached by Frank he would lose because he lost every game.”
De Boer was sacked by Crystal Palace after just five games and 77 days in charge.
A stint that encompassed four league games, all of which ended in defeat.
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He went on to manage Atalanta from 2018-20 and spent a year with the Netherlands before being sacked after Euro 2021.
De Boer was also let go by Abu Dhabi side Al Jazira in December 2023 – after six months in charge.
Man Utd ratings vs Tottenham
MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.
After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.
However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.
And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.
Andre Onana – 5
Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.
Subs:
Mount (for Mainoo 45) 5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
