GettyThe Dutchman demonstrated his ability to address the Red Devils’ goal deficit through his striking skills and by bringing out the potential in his teammates.
Manchester United fans were enduring a stalemate on Friday as the their team's Premier League opener with Fulham entered its final two minutes. But just as the game looked set to end in a 0-0 draw, Joshua Zirkzee produced his pistol and fired his new club to victory.
The Red Devils appeared lackluster at Old Trafford, especially in their forward line. Bernd Leno managed to keep Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount at bay from close-range, while Casemiro had five shots, none of which hit the target.
Zirkzee, who was a substitute, demonstrated to his team-mates how to get the job done by skillfully scoring a goal from Alejandro Garnacho’s cross in a limited space. In response, the Fulham players collapsed on the field while the Stretford End erupted in celebration.
Meanwhile, Zirkzee paid tribute to Quentin Tarantino and Jamie Foxx by making the shape of pistols with his fingers, a signature celebration he performed 11 times last season while playing for Bologna in Serie A. This contributed to Bologna’s impressive fifth place finish, securing them a spot in the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.
"I got it from the movie Django Unchained," Zirkzee told Gazzetta dello Sport last season. "There is a point where Django learns how to shoot. That’s what I got it from.”
Fans of United may not have anticipated Zirkzee to be the immediate fix to their forward line struggles, but he has already made his mark by finding the back of the net. If he maintains this performance, he could assist United in addressing their prime issue – a shortage of attacking prowess.
