Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has taken responsibility for his lack of game time at the club, admitting only he can persuade Michael Carrick to play him more by performing better.
Zirkzee received a late call-up to the Netherlands squad for the international break after Sunderland striker Brian Bobbey pulled out after picking up an injury in the Nations League opener against Germany.
Late call-up and international return
Zirkzee had last played for the Netherlands in November 2024. However, former Barcelona midfielder Xavi is now in charge, and the Spaniard introduced him from the bench against Greece and Serbia last week. The 25-year-old then scored just his second international goal in the 2-1 victory against Serbia on Sunday night.
"Even if it was going in, I think Tijjani (Reijnders) would know that I still gave it an extra touch," Zirkzee said of his goal during an interview with ESPN. "Otherwise, I think it was going on to the post. But it was a good move, and fortunately, Reijnders and I were in the right place."
Zirkzee on his United situation
Zirkzee revealed that Xavi told him he drafted him into the squad because he is good on the ball, despite his lack of minutes with United, but he also reiterated he needed to play more at club level.
"At the moment, that means I am mainly coming on as a substitute," said Zirkzee of competition at United. "And in the end, I have to do something about that myself, even if it isn't easy. Even so, it was still quite a big surprise that the coach called me up."
Zirkzee wanted to leave United last January in search of regular football, and he considered an exit again during the summer transfer window, only for United to inform him he was needed as a squad player.
Surprise call-up and limited minutes
"I absolutely did not expect a call-up," said Zirkzee. "I'm obviously not a starter, so it did give me a good feeling that the coach had confidence in me to call me up. But absolutely not expected, no."
Zirkzee has made just four appearances for United across all competitions this season, totalling 70 minutes.
