Chido Obi could get unexpected chance at Manchester United after Ruben Amorim tactical change

One of the most surprising elements of Manchester United's trip to Tottenham on Sunday was Joshua Zirkzee's performance. He might finally have secured a role in Ruben Amorim's system.

Zirkzee has been battling with Rasmus Hojlund for the right to lead the line at Old Trafford, but he has rarely looked like a natural No.9, preferring to drop off into spaces and take up deeper positions to link with teammates.

Amorim doesn't want that from his centre-forward, and the Dutch attacker has never looked a natural fit in that position. Hojlund has the attributes to play that role but is desperately short of form and confidence, having not scored since December 12, which has led to rotation with Zirkzee.

The injury crisis last week led to the two forwards starting together for only the second time this season. On the previous occasion, Zirkzee lasted just 33 minutes, and he was booed when he was replaced against Newcastle, his United career seemingly hanging by a thread.

He has shown character in recovering from that nightmare evening, one that left him visibly emotional as he left the pitch. At Tottenham, he produced what was probably his best performance for the club, although he should have done better with the only big chance he had, glancing a header wide in the second half.

But in the build-up play he was excellent, showing outstanding close control and nimble footwork to keep possession and manipulate space, often poking the ball either past or through the legs of unsuspecting opponents. He was a key part of United's attack, and when they enjoyed good spells at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Zirkzee was often at the heart of things.

With Amad out for the rest of the season, a space has opened up in those attacking roles