Man Utd drew 2-2 with Forest, Zirkzee was on the bench again under Amorim

No minutes for Joshua Zirkzee in the 2-2 draw at the City Ground. When Manchester United needed more goals, Ruben Amorim kept the same attack, trusting Benjamin Sesko and leaving out the Dutch striker – a decision that sent a clear message about the pecking order in attack.

The moment that shaped the message: keep Sesko, drop Zirkzee

Against Nottingham Forest, Amorim did not add any attacking players despite the team needing a goal. He kept Sesko because of his defensive value and the need for a “spearhead” presence in the penalty area. At the same time, Matheus Cunha – who had a lacklustre performance after his explosive performance against Brighton – continued to be given opportunities. Zirkzee sat the full 90 minutes.

Tactical reasons from Amorim himself

After the match, the Portuguese coach explained his choice with a clear need for structure in the penalty area instead of a deep-lying striker.

“Zirkzee and Cunha are both players who can play between the lines. But against Forest, we needed someone to operate in the box and Sesko is the best fit for that. Sometimes it comes down to individual strengths and the players understand that.”

Zirkzee profile: from £36.5m deal to bench

Zirkzee, who joined Man Utd from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for a fee of £36.5 million, was expected to be a key piece. But now he is "frozen", not even the second choice for the striker position. In some recent matches, even Mason Mount has been given priority to play high up the pitch when Amorim changed the attacking structure - a sign that Zirkzee is gradually falling down the priority list.

Impact: minutes, confidence and the 2026 World Cup target

Not being used even when the team needs a goal is not just a tactical signal; it directly affects Zirkzee’s rhythm of play and his chances of competing for a place at the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands. With limited time on the pitch, it is difficult for the striker to build momentum or prove his adaptability to the current system.

Transfer market: West Ham asks for loan, Man Utd wants to keep

According to multiple sources, including Fabrizio Romano, West Ham have approached Zirkzee with the intention of taking him on loan in the January transfer window. Manchester United, on the other hand, are said to want to keep the striker – although there are no concrete plans yet. Zirkzee himself is said to be considering leaving to find more regular playing opportunities.

Key facts and statistics

• Score: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Manchester United (City Ground).
• Joshua Zirkzee: 0 minutes played, benched for the entire match.
• Coach Ruben Amorim's explanation: need someone to operate in the penalty area; keep Sesko because he fits the role and supports defending set pieces.
• Transfer: Zirkzee to Man Utd summer 2024, fee 36.5 million pounds.
• Personnel developments: Matheus Cunha continues to be given opportunities; in recent matches Mason Mount has been pushed up high.

The broader tactical picture

Amorim’s successive personnel choices have seen him favour structure: a fixed centre-forward in the box, plus some range in set-piece situations. Within that framework, a striker who likes to link up between the lines like Zirkzee needs to either adapt quickly or be willing to wait. When the game demands a pure presence in the box, the priority now lies with Sesko.

Conclude

Not using Zirkzee at the City Ground was a deliberate decision. It mirrors the hierarchy of Man Utd’s attack under Amorim, and leaves the Dutchman’s future in limbo: either adapt to the demands of a ‘box man’, or find another way to regain playing time – especially with the 2026 World Cup looming.