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Manchester United were under the cosh early on against Southampton but eventually grabbed all three points with a commanding 3-0 win on Saturday.
The visitors had Andre Onana to thank for keeping the scores level in the 33rd minute when he saved a penalty and that seemed to galvanise his team as they scored twice within six minutes to take control.
Erik ten Hag will be pleased to see Matthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford among the goals after the duo came under intense scrutiny during the international break.
Alejandro Garnacho added gloss to the scoreline with a late third but the scoreline could have been a lot more emphatic but for some big chances missed.
Zirkzee’s clever play
Joshua Zirkzee was guilty of spurning two glorious chances, one in each half but the manager will be delighted with his overall contribution to his team’s attacking play.
The Netherlands international kept dropping deep to link the attack and kept playing short passes with his teammates to open up spaces for runners.
He had 40 touches of the ball, ending the game with 82 percent passing accuracy while having two shots on target while one effort was blocked (all stats via sofascore).
The former Bologna ace is clever manipulator of space and operates almost like another No 10 as seen from his two key passes while he also has fast feet as the 23-year-old completed all three dribbles.
Needs goals
But always dropping deep meant the Red Devils lacked a focal presence up top and the Dutchman also seems to not have adapted to the pace of the league, losing possession 10 times as he kept taking too long at times.
He tried hard while defending as well, winning four duels out of seven and also one interception but as a forward, you will be judged by the goals scored and that has been lacking so far.
Zirkzee is intelligent, that is clear to see but with Rasmus Hojlund out injured, Ten Hag will need more from his frontman till the Dane returns.
The manager was seen encouraging the new recruit after the game and hopefully, his clever play will soon translate into goals as his team really needs it.
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2024-09-14 16:00:58
