Rio Ferdinand names Man Utd star who was ‘non-existent’ in Rangers win | Football
Rio Ferdinand felt that Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee was ‘non-existent’ for large parts of their Europa League win over Rangers.
United were bailed out by Bruno Fernandes’ late winner as Ruben Amorim’s side claimed a narrow 2-1 win at Old Trafford on Thursday.
The hosts went ahead after Jack Butland’s own goal in the second half but were pegged back by Cyriel Dessers superb 88th-minute equaliser.
However, the Red Devils were able to snatch a late victory when Fernandes volleyed home Lisandro Martinez’s cross in the second minute of added time.
Zirkzee, meanwhile, endured another indifferent evening at Old Trafford having been given the opportunity to lead the line by Amorim.
The Dutch international linked up play well but had just two shots and four touches in the opposition’s penalty area before being withdrawn for Rasmus Hojlund in the 82nd minute.
Reflecting on the striker’s performance, Ally McCoist said during his commentary for TNT Sports: ‘I think he’s done alright Zirkzee but I’ll say it again: I think from Manchester United’s point of view you’d like to see more of a goalscoring threat as well as he played.’
Ferdinand, meanwhile, felt that the striker had gone missing for too long during Thursday evening’s match.
‘I thought he was non-existent in the first half to be honest but I thought he improved in the second half,’ the former United centre-back said as Zirkzee made his way off the pitch.
‘He still wasn’t a real threat on the goal but they got their goal in the end.
Zirkzee has scored just four goals in all competitions since arriving from Bologna for £36million in the summer.
The 23-year-old endured the ignominy of being subbed off after only 33 minutes against Newcastle in December but still retains the support of many fans, as well as his fellow players.
‘Josh is a good player and you don’t play for this club if you are not a good player,’ Maguire said on Wednesday when asked about Zirkzee’s difficult start to life in England.
‘He has got to bring that belief and that confidence out of himself. In football, there is always another game and a next opportunity.
‘Josh came on against Arsenal and really changed the game for us and to score that winning penalty probably gave him a lot of confidence and belief that he belongs at this football club.
‘The fans have been brilliant with him. We have amazing fans that stick with us through thick and thin. When times are tough they really get behind you and support you.
‘I have felt that and I am sure Josh would have been feeling that over the recent weeks.’
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