Manchester United fans on X have blasted Joshua Zirkzee after he struggled to make an impact during their 3-0 loss against Bournemouth. The two sides faced each other in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday, December 22.
The Cherries took the lead in the 29th minute when Dean Huijsen beat Zirkzee in the air to bury the ball past Andre Onana. Noussair Mazraoui conceded a poor penalty soon after the break which was well-converted by Justin Kluivert (61'). Antoine Semenyo netted two minutes later after a brilliant team move to ensure Bournemouth sealed all three points.
Zirkzee started up front for Manchester United but was substituted in the 54th minute for Rasmus Hojlund. The 23-year-old completed just six passes from an attempted 11 with an accuracy of 55 percent, created zero chances and landed no shots on target. He also lost four duels, including three aerial ones.
One Manchester United fan was furious by Zirkzee's lack of pace, comparing him to 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo:
"Zirkzee can’t be 23 years old moving the way he moves. 37 year old Ronaldo had more movement in him than this"
Another fan tweeted:
"Genuinely pathetic by Zirkzee"
Other fans also shared their opinions on X:
"Zirkzee is unfortunately worse than the super washed version of Martial," one fan commented.
"Zirkzee plays like he’s just woken up makes no sense," another added.
"zirkzee you are 6 foot 4 how can you not win a single aerial duel," one fan questioned.
"You cannot convince me on Zirkzee guy is doodoo, Hojlund comfortably better and that says alot," another chimed in.
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has admitted his side were nervous after they suffered a shock 3-0 loss against Bournemouth. He also pinpointed their set-pieces as a notable point of weakness after the Cherries broke the deadlock from a free-kick.
Following the game, Amorim told Sky Sports (via UnitedStandMUFC on X):
"It's hard. In this context, it's hard to push for two or three wins. We're trying. But this game was hard on us. Without any situation we suffered again at set-pieces. We were a little bit nervous, the stadium..."
Following their defeat, Manchester United remain in 13th place with 22 points from 17 games, 14 points adrift of leaders Liverpool. Meanwhile, Bournemouth have entered the top five with 28 points.
The Red Devils next face Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux on Thursday, December 26.