Manchester United's season is such a mess that their unwanted man might actually be the saviour

Zirkzee scored in United's injury-time comeback against Aston Villa and could become a key player if Carrick adopts a more structured tactical approach.

Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench to score United's injury-time goal in their comeback against Aston Villa on Sunday, converting Patrick Dorgu's low cross with seven minutes remaining. The 25-year-old Dutch striker has now scored twice in 186 minutes this season despite not yet starting a game in any competition.

Zirkzee was close to leaving Old Trafford in the summer, with Juventus, Fiorentina and Everton all attempting moves, but he remained at the club. Since his £36.5m arrival from Bologna in July 2024, he has managed 11 goals in 85 games for United.

The article suggests that manager Michael Carrick's current tactical approach, which gives attacking players freedom to roam, is not working and that United need more structure.

With Benjamin Sesko sidelined for another two to three months and no striker signed in the summer, Zirkzee could provide the focal point United need. Playing as a traditional centre-forward against Villa, he occupied a more defined role than Bryan Mbeumo, who has been used in a more fluid attacking position.

The analysis suggests that bringing Zirkzee into the starting XI and asking him to stay within the penalty area could simplify United's attacking play and allow Mbeumo to return to the right wing.