‘No right’ – Manchester United star’s performance against Crystal Palace torn apart moments before stunning goal

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

Only for the United striker to score a stunning effort against Palace that left Deeney ‘flabbergasted’.

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

The 24-year-old had 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.

Then minutes into the second half he unleashed a spectacular finish to bring the Red Devils level, after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty put Palace ahead.

Deeney said: “He’s got no right to score that. I’m questioning the ‘keeper, but it’s a wonderful finish.

“We’ve been giving him grief, and rightly so, but that’s a massive moment in his career.”

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“I’m flabbergasted that he’s done that.”

He added: “It’s not even the fact that he scored the goal, it’s the fact he’s shown you nothing in this game so far that you would even get a shot off. 

“But to even have that level of self-assuredness to even take the shot. The confidence of it is frightening.”

Zirkzee’s goal inspired the comeback with Mason Mount getting a second to seal the three points.

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.