On February 22, 2025, Manchester United clawed back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park — but the real story wasn’t the point. It was the performance of Josua Zirkzee, the 24-year-old Dutch forward whose night was so ineffectual, so statistically hollow, that fans and analysts alike called it a hall-of-shame display. Zirkzee, who hadn’t started a Premier League match in seven months, was handed the #10 role behind the striker by manager Ruben Amorim — and he vanished. For 90 minutes, he was a ghost in red.
Everton’s first-half dominance exposes United’s frailties
Everton, flying high in the league table, came out with purpose. In the 19th minute, Brazilian striker Beto pounced after a corner wasn’t cleared, smashing a low, bouncing shot past André Onana to open the scoring. The second goal came just before halftime: French midfielder Jack Harrison fired a shot that Onana parried — and Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré was left with an open net. United’s defense, particularly Harry Maguire, was carved open like a Christmas turkey. The Toffees weren’t just winning; they were dismantling.
Meanwhile, Zirkzee? He barely registered. Sofascore metrics painted a brutal picture: 45 touches, 20 completed passes (66.7% accuracy), one shot — which didn’t even force a save from Jordan Pickford. He lost all nine ground duels. Zero tackles. Zero clearances. Zero interceptions. He was dribbled past twice. And he missed a big chance — the kind that defines careers. His aerial success rate? A paltry 33%. He lost possession 18 times. One foul. That was it.
United’s late rally hides deeper problems
But football is funny. In the 57th minute, Bruno Fernandes curled a free-kick past Pickford — a moment of genius. Then, in the 71st, Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte unleashed a stunning volley from the edge of the box that flew into the top corner. Suddenly, 2-2. The comeback was real. The point was valuable. But the narrative? Still dominated by Zirkzee’s silence on the pitch.
"Many United players failed to turn up," wrote The Peoples Person in their match report. "But Joshua Zirkzee didn’t just fail to turn up — he forgot where the stadium was." Even the fans who stayed to cheer the comeback didn’t cheer him. When he was subbed off in the 82nd minute, the silence was louder than the goals.
Why did Amorim start him? The mystery deepens
Here’s the twist: Zirkzee isn’t just a flop. He’s a £36.5 million gamble that’s gone sour. Signed from Bologna in July 2024, he was supposed to be the creative spark United lacked. Instead, he’s become a puzzle. Amorim, usually so tactical, started him against Everton — a team that presses hard and demands movement. Why?
Reports suggest Amorim later explained his decision, hinting at tactical experimentation or injury cover. But the timing is odd. Zirkzee had been benched for months. His last start? A Europa League match in July. And yet, against a top-half side at Goodison? That’s not a gamble — it’s a gamble on a sinking ship.
Transfer chaos looms: Everton, West Ham, and the World Cup clock
And now, the real drama: Zirkzee wants out. TEAMtalk reported on November 13, 2025, that the Dutch international is actively seeking a January 2026 move — not just for playing time, but to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the Netherlands. He’s not just chasing minutes. He’s chasing legacy.
And he’s not alone in that pursuit. Everton and West Ham United are both preparing bids. SciSports analysis suggests he’d be a regular starter at Everton — a perfect fit for their direct, physical style. West Ham, meanwhile, see him as a potential upgrade on their aging attacking options.
It’s a bizarre situation. Zirkzee still has three-and-a-half years left on his contract. But at this point, Manchester United might be better off letting him go — even for a fraction of the £36.5 million they paid. The cost of keeping him? Lost morale, fan frustration, and a growing narrative that Amorim has lost the dressing room.
The numbers don’t lie — and neither do the fans
Let’s put this in perspective. In the same season, Sporting Life ran a headline: "Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee hit doubles as Manchester United crush Everton." NBC Sports ran a similar piece. But those weren’t real matches. They were fictional previews — AI-generated content based on Zirkzee’s early-season hype. The reality? He’s been a liability. His stats against Everton weren’t an outlier. They were the norm.
Even YouTube content creator "My blood is red up Man u" projected him in a 3-4-3 lineup for a November 24, 2025 fixture — a sign that fans are still clinging to hope. But hope doesn’t win games. Performance does. And Zirkzee hasn’t delivered.
What’s next for Zirkzee — and Manchester United?
January 2026 is now the deadline. If Zirkzee doesn’t leave, he risks being frozen out entirely — and with the World Cup just months away, the Netherlands’ coaching staff won’t be impressed by benchwarmers. United, meanwhile, face a reckoning. Do they double down on a player who’s failed to adapt? Or do they cut their losses and rebuild around younger, hungrier talent?
One thing’s clear: this isn’t just about one bad night. It’s about a £36.5 million mistake that’s becoming a symbol of everything wrong with United’s transfer strategy in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ruben Amorim start Joshua Zirkzee against Everton?
Amorim hasn’t fully explained his decision, but reports suggest it was either a tactical experiment to test Zirkzee in a #10 role or a response to injuries in the attacking midfield. Given Zirkzee’s lack of impact in previous appearances and his poor stats in this match, the move has been widely criticized as misjudged. Fans question whether Amorim is out of touch with the squad’s current form.
How does Zirkzee’s performance compare to other United attackers this season?
Zirkzee’s stats are among the worst for any regular starter at United this season. His 66.7% pass accuracy is below the team average, and his 0 tackles, 0 clearances, and 9 lost ground duels are alarming for a forward. In contrast, players like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have shown greater defensive contribution and creativity despite being younger and less expensive.
Why is Everton interested in signing Zirkzee?
SciSports analysis suggests Zirkzee’s physicality and ability to hold up play would suit Everton’s direct style under manager Sean Dyche. He’s also a Dutch international — a marketable asset — and would cost far less than a new striker in January. With Everton aiming for European qualification, they see him as a low-risk, high-reward upgrade over their current options.
Could Zirkzee still make the Netherlands’ 2026 World Cup squad?
It’s unlikely unless he plays regularly. The Netherlands have depth: Wout Weghorst, Cody Gakpo, and Armin Hazi are ahead of him. Zirkzee’s lack of minutes at United and his poor form have dropped him off the radar. A January move to Everton could revive his chances — but only if he starts consistently and scores in key matches before the World Cup squad announcement in June 2026.
What does this mean for Manchester United’s transfer policy?
Zirkzee’s failure adds to growing concerns about United’s spending. They’ve spent over £500 million on attackers since 2022, yet none have consistently delivered. This case highlights a pattern: signing players based on potential rather than proven Premier League fit. If Zirkzee leaves for free or a reduced fee, it will be a financial and reputational blow — and a wake-up call for the club’s recruitment team.
Is there any chance Zirkzee turns things around at United?
The odds are slim. He’s lost the trust of fans, media, and likely teammates. Amorim has shown he won’t tolerate underperformance for long. With younger talents like Kobbie Mainoo and Kobbie Mainoo pushing for minutes, Zirkzee’s path to the starting XI is blocked. Unless he improves dramatically in training — and scores in his next two appearances — he’s likely to be sold or frozen out before the end of the season.