Joshua Zirkzee started his second successive Premier League game for Manchester United and also scored for the first time since last December.
Joshua Zirkzee scored his first goal of the season against Crystal Palace. (Image: Getty Images)
Joshua Zirkzee was congratulated by his Manchester United teammates after getting on the score-sheet during their 2-1 comeback win at Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon. United fell behind in the first half when Leny Yoro fouled Jean-Philippe Mateta in the box.
The French striker was made to retake his penalty after replays showed a slight double touch. Mateta converted into the bottom left corner, before United mounted their comeback in the second half, scoring twice within nine minutes.
Zirkzee fired the ball in on the bounce from what looked lie an impossible angle, scoring for the first time since last December. “A great feeling, it’s always a good feeling to score,” he said after the game.
“But most importantly, it just got us back in the game. This guy [Mount] scored a pretty good goal as well! It was all about three points and I’m just very happy that we got them, it’s very important.”
Afterwards, he shared pictures of his celebration in a wordless Instagram post, which drew responses from several United teammates.
Matheus Cunha led the way, commenting: “Deserved,” before Harry Maguire followed up with: “Well done mate. Deserved.”
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Bryan Mbeumo added: “Bang, bang,” as Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Diogo Dalot responded with emojis, and Bruno Fernandes shared a gif of Zirkzee’s celebration.
Zirkzee also acknowledged that he must continue to deliver while expressing gratitude for the support of United head coach Ruben Amorim during his struggles.
“It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world and you have to perform,” the Dutch forward added.
“If you don’t score for a long time, it can get to you, but I’m surrounded by great players, great people, so we help each other every day. They made it quite easy for me.
“Today was just a reward I think for patience, hard work, trying to be consistent, and I’m just thankful to them, the manager as well, staff, everyone. [It’s] a good environment.”
There has been talk of a potential January exit for Zirkzee after struggling for regular game time this season. Roma have been alert to his situation at the club, while Sevilla and West Ham have previously been linked.
His starts against Everton and Palace were his first of the campaign, however, coming after summer signing Cunha sustained an injury in training.
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