‘Like a lost soul’ – Manchester United star’s ’embarrassing’ performance against Crystal Palace torn apart

Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney reckons he could do a better job than Joshua Zirkzee up front for Manchester United.

Zirkzee led the line for Man United against Crystal Palace in the absence of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.

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The 24-year-old has not scored a Premier League goal since December 2024 and struggled against Palace’s three centre-backs.

The striker has just three Premier League goals since signing for Bologna in a £36.5m deal.

Speaking on commentary for talkSPORT at Selhurst Park, Deeney, who scored 47 Premier League goals, gave a damning verdict on Zirkzee.

“It’s really poor again from Zirkzee,” Deeney said. “I’ve been retired for two years – Man United give me six weeks and a third of what he’s doing and I’m probably sure I can do better. 

“It is embarrassing watching him play at this moment in time. He just looks like a lost soul, an absolute lost soul.”

In the first half he managed just nine passes, 23 touches of the ball and zero shots on target.

Deeney picked out a specific moment that showed Zirkzee was offering no threat in behind.

He added: “I’m going back to that Mason Mount moment. He turns the ball over and he’s got his 2v1 against him. He goes past the first one and he’s looking at Zirkzee saying go on then, give me an angle, run for me. 

“Zirkzee just stood there watching him. I’m like a broken record, but it just allows Palace defenders to just come forward because there’s no fretting behind whatsoever.”

He added: “He’s had a tough start to his Man United career. He wants to be a good player, but it’s just not working.”

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A Jean-Philippe Mateta penalty gave Crystal Palace the lead against the Red Devils.

Could Zirkzee leave Man United?

Zirkzee continues to be linked with an exit from Old Trafford as his struggles go on.

talkSPORT understands that West Ham would be keen on signing the striker in January.

West Ham would face competition for Zirkzee from clubs in Italy including Roma, who would consider terminating misfiring Evan Ferguson’s loan from Brighton to bring in a replacement.

Reports in Italy earlier in November have suggested that Zirkzee has already said yes to a move to Roma.

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