Manchester United's preseason saw Zirkzee start at center forward, again exposing the team's urgent need to sign a true striker.
Last weekend at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium, thousands of empty seats were visible for Manchester United's preseason match against Wrexham. The number of Manchester United fans in Finland is not as large as in neighboring Scandinavian countries, and the touring squad lacked big-name stars. Coupled with the World Cup still being underway at the time, this led to low attendance. Finnish Manchester United fans living outside the capital might also not flock to Helsinki in large numbers just to see Zirkzee play center forward.
Zirkzee playing center forward in the first preseason match is not an issue in itself, as the purpose of the game is to regain fitness at the start of the season. But it serves as a reminder that Manchester United needs to sign another striker.
Sesko did not play against Wrexham; he remained at Carrington to continue recovering from a shin injury. The injury was aggravated last season when Konaté pushed him into the concrete wall on the touchline at Old Trafford. Sesko had been playing through the injury, but the medical team advised him that he needed a period of rest.
Sesko is the only recognized out-and-out center forward in the squad, and Manchester United cannot afford for him to be injured, especially since Zirkzee is currently the only backup option, and he does not possess the ability to play center forward. If Zirkzee still starts in the center forward position in the last summer preseason match against AC Milan, it would be very concerning, particularly as the 2026-27 season is about to begin.
Manchester United believes Sesko will recover before the start of the new season, but the team must sign a new striker, not only to provide rotation but also to share the goal-scoring burden on Sesko. The Red Devils are evaluating options for forward reinforcements this summer, and there is a possibility of signing an experienced center forward – a player who might not be as exciting but is familiar with the Premier League.
What this means for Zirkzee remains to be seen. He is currently in an awkward situation, playing the role of a striker in preseason, but his appearances in Manchester suggest he is better suited to playing in a deeper position. Against Wrexham, Zirkzee's best moments were when he dropped deep to link up with teammates. Amorim had him playing in the No. 10 role with good effect, but given the other players in the Carrick system, he would struggle to get opportunities in that position.
Although the Dutch player wanted to leave in the winter transfer window, Manchester United told him it was not possible. He made only 5 league starts last season, so missing the World Cup was to be expected. Zirkzee is popular within the squad and has a certain reputation among fans. He will have more game opportunities in the new season, but he needs a more fulfilling career.
Finding a buyer for Zirkzee could raise funds to sign a player truly capable of playing center forward. When he joined Manchester United, he described his best position as a "9.5," but the club needs another pure center forward (No. 9).
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