Eddie Nketiah praises what Joshua Zirkzee did in Manchester United's impressive comeback win vs Crystal Palace
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee scored a well-timed goal to inspire a second half comeback against Crystal Palace.
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee scored a well-timed goal to inspire a second half comeback against Crystal Palace.
After the disaster at home to Everton, Manchester United needed a big result. At half-time at Selhurst Park, it was not going to plan, with the Red Devils trailing 1-0.
United returned with added determination in the second half and scored two goals from set pieces, winning the game 2-1.
Joshua Zirkzee netted the first goal, with Mason Mount scoring the winner. Bruno Fernandes clocked up two more assists to his ever-increasing tally.
Zirkzee’s goal was his first Premier League strike since December 2024, it was both well overdue and perfectly timed.
Who was Manchester United’s MAN OF THE MATCH vs Crystal Palace?🤔🔥
Joshua Zirkzee impact praised
Joshua Zirkzee latched onto Bruno Fernandes’ second half free-kick, took a touch, and finished with an accurate low shot from a tight angle..
Ruben Amorim welcomed the match-changing impact from Zirkzee, who was stepping in for the injured Benjamin Sesko.
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Crystal Palace opponent Eddie Nketiah was less pleased to see it, but acknowledged the quality of Zirkzee’s strike.
Nketiah told Palace media: “It was a quick ball in behind for them and a good finish.
“I just think we just switched off a little bit, probably once or twice and they capitalised on it.”
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Bruno Fernandes admitted he was stunned by just how Zirkzee managed to score.
He said: “I didn’t even know he could score from there. It was a hell of a strike.”
“I know his qualities,” Fernandes added, showing his support for the former Bologna forward.
Describe that finish from Joshua Zirkzee in one word…⚽️🔥
Joshua Zirkzee display more than just the goal
Joshua Zirkzee’s goal lifted his confidence, but we are glad to say that his performance was more than just the goal.
Zirkzee had 50 touches in total, and managed to win eight duels – the joint highest of any Manchester United player.
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There was one problem with Zirkzee’s display, that 48 of his 50 touches were outside the box. When he got the ball inside the box, he showed what he was capable of.
United need to find a way to get Zirkzee more involved from open play when he is leading the line, and this applies to whoever is starting up front.
