Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has raised doubts about Manchester United's summer signing Joshua Zirkzee, claiming the Dutch forward is struggling to control the ball. Zirkzee, who joined Manchester United from Bologna for a reported £36.5 million, has had a challenging start to his time at Old Trafford, managing just one goal and one assist in 12 appearances this season.
Agbonlahor expressed his concerns on talkSPORT, stating, "Everyone's talking about Joshua Zirkzee, said he was an amazing player. He's gone there, he can’t even control the ball. He’s got the time to turn things around, but he’s been poor since the start of this season." The 23-year-old has already been linked with a potential move to Juventus amid speculation about his future at United.
According to Football365, there are indications that Zirkzee is considering a departure from Manchester United, with reports suggesting that the club may look to replace him if his performances do not improve. The scrutiny on Zirkzee comes as pundits such as Paul Merson and Paolo Di Canio criticise the forward for failing to deliver since his arrival.
Agbonlahor further suggested that players may be more inclined to join Aston Villa over Manchester United, reflecting on Villa's current standing. "100 per cent," Agbonlahor stated when asked about the preference between the two clubs. "First of all, Aston Villa are in the Champions League. It is every player’s dream to play in the Champions League. They’re a more settled club."
He praised Aston Villa's manager Unai Emery, stating, "He’s got the club in his hands. No one above him is telling him to sign a player. He can sign whoever he wants. There is no circus with the owners. It’s a healthier club." While acknowledging Manchester United's historical size, Agbonlahor indicated that players may now find Aston Villa a more appealing destination.
With the transfer window approaching, Zirkzee's future remains uncertain as he continues to adapt to life at Manchester United, facing criticism and pressure to perform.