Erik ten Hag was wrong about Manchester United star - but Ruben Amorim will be glad he was

Joshua Zirkzee has experienced just about every emotion possible since he joined Manchester United from Bologna last summer.

From being jeered off the pitch by some fans against Newcastle United at Old Trafford in December to the euphoria of dispatching the winning penalty in United's FA Cup third round triumph over Arsenal less than two weeks later, he has experienced it all.

He has also experienced the thrill of scoring on his debut at the Stretford End. To say his adaptation period has not been straightforward is an understatement.

But after being needlessly jeered off the pitch by some fans in the first half against Newcastle in United's final outing of 2024, the Dutchman has bounced back and become one of United's most consistent performers in recent weeks. Others would have cowered into a corner and wanted to hide.

Zirkzee has now scored in all four competitions United have participated in this season after he opened the scoring in Thursday evening's 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Reds' Europa League last-16 tie.

Connecting with Alejandro Garnacho's pull-back, the 23-year-old swept home a cool finish from the edge of the box. It marked his sixth goal of the season and his first in European football in his senior career.

Just as he had against Tottenham Hotspur, Ipswich Town, Everton and Leicester City, he started as the right-sided No.10. In the absence of Amad and Kobbie Mainoo, head coach Ruben Amorim has been forced to change his attack.

Rasmus Hojlund led the line in San Sebastian and was supported by Garnacho and Zirkzee. It was the most obvious attack Amorim has selected since he arrived in November.

But while there is no denying United's attack will need upgrading in the summer,