Lee Sharpe is confident that Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee can play a starring role in Ruben Amorim’s side next season after a slow start to life at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee arrived at Old Trafford with weighty expectations on his shoulders following a high-profile £36.5million switch from Bologna last summer.
But the Dutchman’s first season at United has not gone exactly as planned, with the 23-year-old managing just seven goals across 48 matches in all competitions.
Deployed in a deeper, attacking midfield role, Zirkzee appeared to be growing into the shirt under Amorim before a hamstring injury in April ruled him out for an extended period.
The forward appeared back in training on Tuesday ahead of United’s Europa League final with Tottenham, but Wednesday’s showpiece European final could come too soon given Zirkzee’s lengthy spell on the treatment table.
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Regardless, former United winger Sharpe is confident that Zirkzee can hit the ground running when he returns, whether that be in the final days of this season or at the start of the following campaign.
‘I like Zirkzee – he was unfortunate to get injured when he did, but he’s a real baller and I think he can be a superstar for Manchester United if he can get games under his belt,’ Sharpe told Metro via Coin Poker.
‘He needs a regular run. I don’t think he’s had a 10-game stint where he has actually played week in, week out.
‘There were reports that he wasn’t quite fit when he signed, so it took him a bit of time to get up to speed. I think he was just finding his feet when he got injured but I think he’s going to prove a real key player next season.’
‘Delap and Cunha are just what United need’
Zirkzee is likely return to United pre-season with fresh competition in attacking areas.
The Red Devils appear to be closing in on the signing of Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha, while a deal to sign Liam Delap appears to be progressing after the club held face-to-face talks with the Ipswich Town striker.
‘I think both players look like good acquisitions,’ Sharpe said of United’s rumoured attacking business.
‘I’ve seen Delap a few times this season and he’s a good, big strong typical number nine. He holds the balls up well, which is what you need in any team but he also knows where the goal is and puts defenders under pressure.
‘He’s still young enough to improve and for the position United are in – not quite challenging for the league but looking towards that top six – and I think he would be an ideal signing.
‘Cunha speaks for himself. In a team like Wolves, which have struggled at points this season, he’s been the standout player.
‘He’s a little bit like Kobbie Mainoo in that he can beat players, create a chance and score a goal. I’d like him to calm his temperament down at times – you don’t want him getting sent off and costing his team games just because he’s losing his rag – but ability-wise I think he’s really good and a great addition to the squad.’
‘I’d never go against United in a cup final’
Much of the rest of United’s summer business could hinge upon whether they can secure a spot in next season’s Champions League by winning in Bilbao on Wednesday.
The Red Devils won the Europa League under Jose Mourinho in 2017, and Sharpe is confident his former side can repeat the trick and end the season on a high note.
‘I’d never go against United in a cup final – they always seem to produce a good performance in a big game, he added.
‘They’re unbeaten in this competition this season despite having one of the worst league seasons in the club’s history. It just goes to show the size of the club and the belief in the team that on any given occasion, they can go and beat someone.
‘That consistency hasn’t been there in the league but they can turn it on for a game when it really matters and that’s the only thing that’s important now. They need to be good for one game to get themselves into the Champions League and the rebuild starts for next season.’
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