Manchester United secured a hard-fought 5-4 win via penalties against Leeds United on Wednesday, 12 August, in their fifth pre-season tie.
The Red Devils arrived at the game on the back of a 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) over the weekend. Carrick made six changes to the team that went toe-to-toe with the European champions.
Senne Lammens replaced Tom Heaton in goal, while Diogo Dalot was preferred to Noussair Mazraoui in the right-back position. Harry Maguire was handed a much-deserved rest, as Leny Yoro partnered Ayden Heaven at the heart of the backline.
Luke Shaw also made way for young Harry Amass at left-back. Meanwhile, Tyler Fletcher filled in for the injured Mason Mount in the middle of the park, partnering the ever-present Andrey Santos.
The attack saw just one change, with Joshua Zirkzee coming in for Shea Lacey. Patrick Dorgu and Amad started either side of Bryan Mbeumo, who operated in the No. 9 role in the prolonged absence of Benjamin Sesko.
United secure hard-fought win
United started the game well and had a few chances to go ahead before Zirkzee found the back of the net in the 16th minute following some impressive work from Mbeumo. The Red Devils appeared to be in total control and continued to threaten to increase their lead.
However, Leeds equalised against the run of play through Brenden Aaronson in the 29th minute and the first half ended 1-1. The Whites started the second half well and initially pushed United against to the wall.
Carrick made several changes after the break, bringing on the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha and new signing Youri Tielemans. The United skipper had the ball in the back of the net but was judged to be in an offside position.
The Portuguese Magnifico also hit the crossbar with a thunderous strike, but Leeds held on and the game ended 1-1. The Red Devils ultimately won the game 5-4 via penalties, and Zirkzee’s performance will certainly please Carrick.
Zirkzee produces another masterclass
Zirkzee was outstanding in the 5-0 win over Rosenborg, but was relegated to the bench in the following two games against Atletico Madrid and PSG. However, the Dutchman returned to the starting XI against Leeds and took the opportunity with both hands.
Zirkzee was on the pitch for 61 minutes and registered 43 touches of the ball, attempting 37 passes with a 92% passing accuracy. The 25 year old also registered two key passes.
The Dutchman won two of his five duels, and registered two shots, both of which were on target. He also had a shot blocked. Zirkzee attempted two dribbles, one of which was successful,
Joshua Zirkzee Stats vs Leeds United
| Statistic | Joshua Zirkzee |
|---|---|
| Touches | 43 |
| Accurate passes | 34/37 (92%) |
| Key passes | 2 |
| Crosses (accurate) | - |
| Long balls (accurate) | - |
| Duels (won) | 5 (2) |
| Ground duels (won) | 4 (1) |
| Aerial duels (won) | 1 (1) |
| Possession lost | 5 |
| Fouls | 1 |
| Was fouled | - |
| Clearances | - |
| Blocked shots | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Tackles (won) | 0 |
| Dribbled past | - |
| Shots on target | 2 |
| Shots off target | - |
| Shots blocked | 1 |
| Dribbles (successful) | 2 (1) |
Source: Sofascore.
Final Thoughts
Zirkzee remains linked with an exit from Old Trafford this summer, but a stay cannot be entirely ruled out. The Dutchman has been a revelation in the No. 10 role in pre-season, so he could have a role to play under Michael Carrick next season.
Featured image by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
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