The Dutchman scored just three Premier League goals in his first season at Old Trafford following his £36.5 million move from Bologna in a dire start to his career with the Red Devils which could have come to an end if manager Ruben Amorim was more ruthless in the summer transfer market.
United have spent close to £130M on attacking reinforcements this summer, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha arriving at Old Trafford. Amorim’s intentions are clear as he improves a blunt United attack that was simply not fit for purpose. However, despite the new additions, Zirkzee is unphased and simply wants to see the team improve on the pitch.
"I’m very confident, everyone’s very confident. We’ve got competition, so whichever position the coach needs me is the position I’ll play – if that’s as a No.10 or a striker, it’s no different.
"The coach knows me well and knows exactly what to do and I’ve got 100 percent trust in the coach so I’m not worried about that.
"I think it’s part of being at this club (competition). If another striker were to come, I guess it’s only good competition, so I’m not really worried.”
Zirkzee sustained a hamstring injury on April 13th that ruled him out for almost the rest of the season. Many of those who criticized the young striker found it hard to understand that his age as well as inexperience in the Premier League led to his poor form.
His lowest point last season came when he was booed by his own fans at Old Trafford in January, when he was subbed after 33 minutes with United trailing 2-0 to Newcastle. Despite moments such as this and United’s attacking improvements he admits he is not selfish and only wants to see the side improve even if it means him being out of the spotlight.
"They (Cunha and Mbeumo) are two great players. We’ve seen that in training and we’ve seen that last season as well. We’re for the team and that’s what we’re all about. We just want the team to be good.
"Everything is for the team, there’s no selfishness here, that’s not my mantra. If it were to help the team, then great."