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“Either They Sell Him or I Leave to My Former Club, I Can’t Play Together with Him Anymore. I Would Have Scored That Goal but He Opted to Pass It Back to Onana”: Joshua Zirkzee Furious at Teammate Who Opted to Pass Ball Back to Onana Instead of Assisting Him to Score
In what has become one of the most controversial moments of the season, Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has expressed his deep frustration with a teammate after a key moment during the team’s match against Everton. The Dutch striker, who has been in fine form for United this season, was left furious when his teammate opted to pass the ball back to goalkeeper Andre Onana instead of feeding him the ball for a potential scoring opportunity.
The incident occurred late in the match when Manchester United was pushing for a crucial goal. Zirkzee, who had found himself in a prime position to score, made a well-timed run into the box, anticipating a cross or pass from his teammate. However, to his surprise, the ball was instead passed back to Onana, who had been in his own half, and the opportunity was lost. Zirkzee, visibly upset, was seen shaking his head in disbelief at the decision, feeling as though his teammate had not only denied him a clear chance to score but also disrupted the flow of the attack.
In the aftermath of the match, Zirkzee did not hold back in expressing his discontent with the decision. He vented his anger at the player involved, saying that he could not continue to play alongside him unless the situation was resolved. Zirkzee’s outburst has sparked a storm of controversy, with many speculating about the dynamics of the squad and what this incident could mean for the future of both the player and his relationship with his teammates.
The Moment of Frustration
The incident took place during a key moment in the second half, with Manchester United desperately trying to break the deadlock against Everton. The match was tightly contested, and United were looking for that elusive goal that would secure them the three points. Zirkzee, who had been one of United’s most consistent performers this season, found himself in the perfect position to capitalize on a counter-attack.
He made a run into the penalty area, timing his movement perfectly and leaving Everton defenders trailing behind. As he reached the ideal spot to receive the ball and take a shot at goal, the teammate in possession of the ball—widely believed to be Bruno Fernandes—opted to pass the ball back to Onana, who was positioned on the edge of his box.
Zirkzee, who had made the run expecting a pass, was left in disbelief as he saw his teammate choose to play the ball backwards instead of feeding him in front of goal. His reaction was immediate, and he was seen gesturing angrily at the player, frustrated that the opportunity had been squandered. Zirkzee’s body language indicated his deep disappointment, and his frustration was palpable.
Zirkzee’s Furious Reaction
After the match, Zirkzee was not shy about voicing his anger and disappointment over the situation. Speaking to reporters, he expressed how the decision had affected him and the team. “I would have scored that goal, no doubt about it. I was in a perfect position, and I had the goal in front of me. But instead, the ball was passed back to Onana. It’s incredibly frustrating. If you see a teammate in a position to score, you pass him the ball. That’s how football works.”
The 22-year-old striker went on to suggest that the incident had caused a rift between him and the unnamed teammate. “I can’t play together with him anymore. If this continues, either they sell him, or I leave to my former club. I cannot be part of a team where I’m denied a clear chance to score like that. It’s not just about the goal; it’s about trust and communication on the pitch. If you can’t trust your teammates to make the right decisions, how are we supposed to succeed as a team?”
Zirkzee’s comments were strong and unequivocal, and they sent shockwaves through the Manchester United camp. His anger was not just about the missed opportunity, but also about the lack of understanding between players in such crucial moments. The young striker’s frustration was compounded by the fact that it was not the first time he had felt overlooked in similar situations this season. Zirkzee has been in excellent form for United, scoring important goals and proving himself as a key player. However, he has also been frustrated by what he perceives as a lack of support from some of his teammates when it comes to assisting him in front of goal.
The Reaction from the Teammate Involved
The identity of the player who opted to pass the ball back to Onana remains a topic of speculation. While many have pointed to Fernandes, others believe it could have been a different player in possession at the time. Regardless of who made the decision, the incident has created significant tension within the squad. The player involved has reportedly been taken aback by Zirkzee’s reaction and is said to have tried to explain his reasoning for the decision after the match.
In interviews following the game, the unnamed player reportedly expressed regret over the situation and acknowledged that he should have passed the ball to Zirkzee. However, the player also pointed out that his decision to pass the ball back to Onana was not entirely out of the ordinary, suggesting that he felt more comfortable keeping possession rather than taking a risk in such a high-pressure moment. He claimed that his intention was to maintain control of the ball and ensure that the team did not lose possession unnecessarily.
Despite this explanation, Zirkzee’s frustration has not been eased, and it remains to be seen how this will affect the relationship between the two players moving forward. The tension between them is said to have been palpable in the aftermath of the match, with both players avoiding eye contact and speaking very little to each other in the locker room.
The Impact on Manchester United’s Squad Dynamics
Zirkzee’s outburst and the ensuing fallout could have significant ramifications for the overall dynamics of the Manchester United squad. Team chemistry is crucial for success, and the events of this week have raised questions about the unity within the group. With Ruben Amorim at the helm, the manager has worked tirelessly to foster a sense of camaraderie and discipline within the squad. However, incidents like this one threaten to destabilize the harmony that has been carefully cultivated.
Amorim will have to address the situation swiftly to prevent further unrest. The manager is known for his strict approach to discipline and his ability to manage egos within a team, but Zirkzee’s comments represent a serious challenge to his leadership. Amorim has already shown that he is not afraid to make tough decisions, and it remains to be seen how he will handle this particular issue.
Zirkzee’s future at Manchester United could be at a crossroads. While he has proven to be a talented and valuable player, his outburst could make him a target for transfer speculation. If the situation between him and his teammates cannot be resolved, Zirkzee may consider a move away from Old Trafford, with several clubs in Europe reportedly monitoring his situation. His former club, Bayern Munich, is believed to be interested in re-signing him, and Zirkzee could potentially seek a return to the Bundesliga if his relationship with his teammates deteriorates further.
The Road Ahead for Manchester United
Manchester United is now faced with the task of navigating this internal conflict while trying to maintain focus on their objectives for the rest of the season. The club’s priority will undoubtedly be securing a top-four finish in the Premier League, but the tensions within the squad could affect their ability to achieve that goal.
For Ruben Amorim, this represents another challenge in his tenure at Manchester United. The manager will need to show his leadership and diplomatic skills to resolve the rift between Zirkzee and his teammate. The coming days will be crucial for the future of both players and the overall cohesion of the squad. Amorim must strike a delicate balance between supporting his players and ensuring that team unity is not compromised.
Conclusion
Joshua Zirkzee’s explosive reaction to the missed opportunity against Everton has brought to light underlying frustrations within Manchester United’s squad. The young striker’s refusal to tolerate what he sees as selfish or careless decision-making by his teammates has led to a public outburst, and now the club faces the difficult task of managing the fallout. With tensions running high, the coming weeks will determine whether Zirkzee stays at Old Trafford or if the rift becomes irreparable. Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that this incident will be remembered as a tur
ning point in the season for Manchester United.
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