Man Utd drew 2-2 with Forest, Zirkzee was again benched in favor of Amorim.

Joshua Zirkzee received no time in the 2-2 draw at City Ground. When Manchester United needed more goals, Ruben Amorim kept his attacking approach unchanged, putting his faith in Benjamin Sesko and leaving the Dutch striker out – a decision that sent a clear message about the order of selection in attack.

The moment that defined the message: keep Sesko, drop Zirkzee.

Against Nottingham Forest, Amorim didn't bring on any attacking players despite the team needing a goal. He kept Sesko on the pitch because of his defensive value and the need for a forward presence in the penalty area. At the same time, Matheus Cunha – who had just had a lackluster performance after his explosive win against Brighton – was given another chance. Zirkzee sat out the full 90 minutes.

The tactical reason comes from Amorim himself.

After the match, the Portuguese manager explained his choice by citing the clear need for structure in the penalty area rather than a deep-lying striker.

“Zirkzee and Cunha are both capable players who can play between the lines. But against Forest, we needed someone to operate in the penalty box, and Sesko was the best fit for that. Sometimes it’s a matter of individual strengths, and the players understand that.”

Zirkzee's profile: from a £36.5 million signing to the bench.

Joining Man Utd from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for a fee of £36.5 million, Zirkzee was expected to be a key player. However, he is currently "frozen out," and is no longer even the second-choice striker. In some recent matches, even Mason Mount has been preferred to play further forward when Amorim changed the attacking structure – a sign that Zirkzee is gradually falling out of favor.

Impact: Minutes played, confidence, and World Cup 2026 goals.

Not being used even when the team needs goals isn't just a tactical issue; it directly impacts Zirkzee's rhythm of play and his chances of competing for a spot in the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands. With limited playing time, it's difficult for the striker to build momentum or prove his adaptability within the current system.

Transfer market: West Ham inquire about loan, Man Utd want to keep.

According to multiple sources, including Fabrizio Romano, West Ham have approached Zirkzee with the intention of loaning him in the January transfer window. Manchester United, on the other hand, have stated their desire to keep the striker – although no concrete plans have been made yet. Zirkzee himself is reportedly considering leaving to find more regular playing opportunities.

Statistics and key facts

• Score: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Manchester United (City Ground).
• Joshua Zirkzee: 0 minutes played, remained on the bench for the entire match.
• Coach Ruben Amorim's explanation: they needed someone to operate in the penalty area; Sesko was kept because he suited the role and provided defensive support in set-piece situations.
• Transfer news: Zirkzee to Man Utd in summer 2024, fee £36.5 million.
• Personnel changes: Matheus Cunha continues to be given opportunities; Mason Mount has been pushed further forward in some recent games.

The broader tactical picture

Amorim's consistent personnel choices show a preference for structure: a fixed center forward in the penalty area, plus support in set pieces. Within this framework, a striker who likes to link up between lines like Zirkzee needs to either adapt quickly or accept waiting. When the game demands a pure presence in the 16-yard box, the priority now belongs to Sesko.

Conclude

Not using Zirkzee at City Ground was a deliberate decision. It reflects the attacking lineup of Man Utd under Amorim, and puts the Dutch striker's future in limbo: either adapt to the need for a "man in the box," or find another way to regain playing time – especially with the 2026 World Cup just around the corner.