The Manchester United striker made a rare start but had a disastrous night, and was criticized for missing a good opportunity.

Zirkzee’s disaster night: Missed opportunities became the target of public criticism, Manchester United lost 0-1 at home to Everton

In the early morning of November 25, in the 12th round of the Premier League, Manchester United lost 0-1 at home to Everton at Old Trafford. Although the opponent had played less than one player since the middle of the first half, the Red Devils were still unable to score. Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, who started the game, became the target of verbal criticism from fans due to his poor performance.

The only goal of the game came in the 29th minute. Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall made a tricky arcing shot from about 18 meters outside the penalty area that hit the dead center. Although Manchester United goalkeeper Sene Lamence touched the ball with his fingertips, he was unable to prevent the goal.

This defeat once again plunged the team coached by coach Ruben Amorim into a whirlpool of public opinion, and almost all the blame was directed at Zirkzee. The Dutch striker only got his second start this season, but delivered a disappointing result.

In the second half, Zirkzee missed two excellent scoring opportunities, completely igniting the fans' anger. Social media exploded in an instant: "He asked for the opportunity, gave it, and it was wasted!" "Let him play the whole game is a disaster!" "If Zirkzee is the answer, then I really don't know what the problem is." "Sell it quickly!" - similar voices came one after another.

In fact, Everton was sent off as early as the 13th minute of the first half due to a dispute between midfielder Idrissa Gueye and teammate Michael Keane. Everton played with 10 men for a long time. However, instead of taking advantage of their numerical advantage to break the deadlock, Manchester United appeared helpless on the offensive end, and Zirkzee's sluggish state is undoubtedly one of the key reasons for the team's weak offense.

With main forwards Benjamin Cesco and Cunha both injured, Amorim had to give a vote of confidence to Zirkzee. Unfortunately, this helpless move eventually became another straw that broke Manchester United's back, and caused the Red Devils to suffer another humiliating defeat at Old Trafford.