‘I need to fight’: Outcast Man Utd star vows to ‘prove’ himself once club action returns amid heavily reduced role
Joshua Zirkzee has conceded that he has a battle on his hands to earn a starting spot under Michael Carrick.
The Manchester United star is still awaiting his first start this season, but he has assured that he will ‘fight’ to ‘prove’ himself once club action returns.
Joshua Zirkzee: The state of play
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Across the opening month-and-a-half of 2026/2027, Zirkzee has accumulated just 70 minutes on the pitch in all competitions.
He has made four appearances thus far, while being an unused substitute for the first three Premier League matches of the campaign.
The reintegration of Marcus Rashford has not made Zirkzee’s situation any easier, and the impending return of sidelined attacker Amad Diallo will also intensify the battle for game time amongst the frontline.
Over the break, the 25-year-old was granted his first international call-up in almost two years when he was drafted in to replace the injured Brian Brobbey.
He proceeded to net his second goal for his nation in his eighth cap last night, securing the Netherlands a 2-1 win over Serbia, which extended their perfect record under new head coach Xavi Hernandez.
What has Zirkzee said about his United role?
(Photo via club media)
Carrick will be hoping that Zirkzee will use the goal as fuel to find his best form in a United shirt – but he can only do so if he’s given the chances.
The Bayern Munich graduate addressed his current situation at Old Trafford when telling reporters: “There is a lot of competition. The manager makes the choices. At the moment, the choice is that I mainly come on as a substitute.
“Ultimately, I have to do something about that myself, but it isn’t easy either. I have to keep working every day and prove myself. I have to fight my way into the starting lineup.”
Credit where it’s due to Zirkzee; he has never kicked up a fuss or thrown a paddy over his reduced role. Instead, he has got his head down and waited for any opportunity that arises.
