Erik ten Hag can't ignore Man United's £36.5m problem after latest reprieve

When Joshua Zirkzee wonderfully converted Manchester United's first goal of the 2024/25 campaign, it almost felt like the beginning of a new era.

Erik ten Hag compared the feeling post-match to the same euphoria Rasmus Hojlund experienced less than 12 months prior, as he slammed home his first Premier League goal at Old Trafford in the thrilling 3-2 win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day. But ever since then, Zirkzee has suffered an indifferent spell in the side, with Hojlund now back too from his injury in the summer, it is looking somewhat bleak for the man who arrived for a hefty fee from Bologna in the summer months.

Naturally, it is now established that Zirkzee is not a natural out-and-out forward like United have with Hojlund. His play styles are different, his capabilities are altered. There is undoubtedly a player in there for manager Ten Hag to figure out how to utilise to United's advantage.

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He will not play a number ten role, we know that. The ever-available Bruno Fernandes is something of a Duracell bunny, his battery never fades. United need more of those players, and although Zirkzee has in the past occupied positions on either flank across his career, Ten Hag is already inundated with players who can play in those positions.

There seems something of a headache and it is clear the former Ajax boss doesn't know his best team, even after the victory against Brentford came as a reprieve for the manager. For now, Zirkzee feels a long way from those plans and a place in this starting XI.

Hojlund is a nailed-on starter. His performance on Saturday against Brentford proved that. Interlinking with