"Still wondering why we got him", "Such a waste" - Manchester United fans slam star's 'rubbish' showing in Fenerbahce draw

Manchester United fans on social media slammed Joshua Zirkzee after the Red Devils drew 1-1 against Fenerbahce in the UEFA Europa League group stage clash on Thursday, October 24. Erik ten Hag's side are yet to register their first win in this season's Europa League, having drawn their first two games against FC Twente and FC Porto.

Manchester United scored first at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium courtesy of a right-footed bullet from Christian Eriksen (15'). However, the home side equalized inside the first four minutes of the second half (49') as Youssef En-Nesyri headed home Allan Saint-Maximin's cross from close range.

Manchester United marksman Joshua Zirkzee underperformed in the game, collecting a rating of just 6.7 on Sofascore. Although the Dutchman assisted their solitary goal, he didn't do much else in the game.

Zirkzee managed just 21 touches in the match, maintaining a passing accuracy of a measly 67% (8/12). Furthermore, the centre-forward failed to register a single shot on goal and was replaced by Rasmus Hojlund in the 55th minute.

(The above stats have been taken from Sofascore on October 25. These platforms may change these stats as per their prerogative.)

Several Manchester United fans criticized the Dutch frontman who joined the Red Devils in July 2024 from Bologna for a reported transfer fee of €42.50 million (via Transfermarkt). Some popular reactions on X are as follows:

"I’m still wondering why we got Zirkzee," wrote a fan on X.

"Playing Zirkzee in the first half was such a waste," agreed another.

"We can’t keep going like this!!!! Zirkzee is rubbish! Mazraoui is not a 10! FFS play Amad Diallo! Sack this obtuse bald moron!" slammed a Red Devils fan.

One fan claimed that Zirkzee could neither attack nor defend in the game, tweeting:

"Zirkzee is the most infuriating player. Doesn't go in for challengers, headers, doesn't press. Can't pass the ball to save his life. Useless."

"Who authorised Joshua Zirkzee btw? Wow. So bad. Time to move Erik on. He's just not up to it. I just don't like Man Utd anymore and it makes me sad. I want to enjoy my team again," ranted one netizen.

"Zirkzee needs binned out the door, he’s beyond useless," wrote another.

Manchester United are currently groveling at the 21st position in the Europa League table with three points in three matches.

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Manchester United preparing to loan out Joshua Zirkzee and sign youngster Benjamin Sesko: Reports

RB Leipzig v Liverpool- UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 - Source: Getty

Manchester United are reportedly considering a loan deal for Joshua Zirkzee to sign Slovenian centre-forward Benjamin Sesko. The 21-year-old currently plays for RB Leipzig - a club he joined from RB Salzburg in 2023 for a reported transfer fee of €24 million.

Sesko has been in fine form this season for Leipzig, recording six goals and three assists in 11 games across competitions. Meanwhile, Manchester United's strikers have been lackluster at best.

Joshua Zirkzee was added to the squad after Anthony Martial left the club as a free agent in July. However, Zirkzee has underperformed so far, scoring just one goal in 12 appearances across competitions this season. The story has been the same for their other striker, Rasmus Hojlund, who has scored two goals in seven appearances this season.

According to a report by TuttoMercatoWeb (via Teamtalk), the Red Devils are planning to bring in Sesko and loan out Zirkzee. According to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano, Sesko will be allowed to leave Salzburg if a lucrative offer arrives.