“You feel it” – Amorim believes he finally found perfect role for Man Utd star – But new issue arises | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim is certain Joshua Zirkzee has finally found his niche as a support striker based on his most recent display.

The Red Devils suffered yet another loss this weekend, bested by Tottenham Hotspur who only needed a solitary strike from James Maddison to seal the three points and subsequently overtake their fellow strugglers in the Premier League standings.

But while the majority of the Reds were given some stick, some fans and observers spared Zirkzee, as they felt he was one of the few bright spots for United in an otherwise miserable display in North London.

The Dutchman is originally a striker and has been deployed as a centre-forward on most occasions. But this time, he was fielded on the right wing with a license to roam around the pitch following Amad Diallo’s season-ending injury.

After the contest, the Portuguese coach seemed pleased with his choice, as he believes the former Bologna man could be more suited to his new role.

“I think Josh is not a clear nine, he played more as a 10.” noted the 39-year-old in his post-match interview.

“He’s stronger physically, he’s working really hard and he played in a better position for him and he’s improving. He’s winning more duels, he’s even faster, and you feel it in the game.”

Joshua Zirkzee set to maintain Number 10 role

(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Amorim certainly has a point in his assessment, as this new free role perfectly suits the characteristics of the Manchester United summer signing. This is also quite a turnaround for a player who was unceremoniously cheered off the pitch by his own supporters a couple of months back.

Nevertheless, Zirkzee’s switch to a deeper role raises a new concern for the club, as the miss-firing Rasmus Hojlund has now become the one and only choice for the Number 9 role.

Hence, the Red Devils supporters will likely have to see more of the 22-year-old from now until the end of the season, unless Amorim decides to give the nod to one of the academy products, potentially the vastly-promising Chido Obi who earned a brief cameo on Sunday.