Erik ten Hag has been given the green light to audition Manchester United player for a new role

Signed for £36.5million, Manchester United's supporters would be within their rights to expect goals from Joshua Zirkzee.

However, the Netherlands international, who joined from Bologna in July, has scored just once in his first 11 appearances in United colour - on his debut against Fulham on the opening night of the Premier League season. Despite making an instant impact at Old Trafford, it did not take all that long to realise that Zirkzee is a not a natural goalscorer. You would be hard-pressed to find any United fan who is confident he will break into double figures this season.

But in the 23-year-old's defence, soon after arriving at Old Trafford, he admitted that he is not a natural No.9. Instead, he is a self-proclaimed '9.5', operating between midfield and attack.

READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes shares brilliant three-word message as United get injury boost

READ MORE: 'We are not happy' - United representative breaks silence on poor start to season

"I occasionally drop down to midfield," Zirkzee said. "I don't do that for myself but to help the team. I am what I call a false striker. Not a No.9, not a No.10. I am a 9.5. That's my game."

Eleven appearances into his United career, Zirkzee's admission has quickly become very easy to understand. The Dutchman is a player who likes to drop into pockets of space between the lines and make things happen.

The evidence was on display in United's 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace last month, where Zirkzee started at the tip of United's attack flanked by Alejandro Garnacho and Amad but often dropped deep to get on the ball and dictate play.

Zirkzee's link up play is the biggest feather in his cap. He wants to orchestrate proceedings by producing intricate passes and creating