Man United fans all say the same thing about Joshua Zirkzee as he scores against Real Sociedad – two months after being jeered off by fans

Manchester United fans have heaped praise on Joshua Zirkzee after he scored in their 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad.

United were taking on the Spanish side in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday night, with Zirkzee’s opener cancelled out by Mikel Oyarzabal’s 70th minute penalty. 

Zirkzee had put in a solid performance on an otherwise mixed evening for Ruben Amorim‘s side, although the draw leaves them in a good position ahead of next week’s second leg at Old Trafford. 

Zirkzee’s display comes after the Dutchman has impressed over recent weeks despite his team’s wider struggles, with the 23-year-old showing signs of his quality following his £36.5million summer move from Bologna. 

The forward has looked at home playing just off the striker in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system as he begins to turn around what proved to be a difficult start to his time in England.

Zirkzee has scored just six goals in 41 appearances in 2024-25, adding two assists and had often seen himself on the receiving end of fan frustration.

Zirkzee has endured a difficult first season at United but has improved over recent weeks

Zirkzee’s nadir came when he was jeered off by supporters in the first half against Newcastle

His nadir came on December 30 when he was substituted just 33 minutes into a 2-0 defeat by Newcastle.

On that occasion, a clearly devastated Zirkzee was jeered and ironically cheered off by fans and many thought he would move on in the January window.

However, Zirkzee has knuckled down and offered hope that he could live up to the potential that saw him win Serie A’s Young Player of the Season in 2023-24.

And the mood has dramatically changed surrounding Zirkzee, with fans quick to heap praise on him on social media following the Sociedad game.

One said: ‘From being booed at Old Trafford, to putting in back-to-back solid performances. He’s quietly played himself into the team and made it difficult to drop him. So happy for Joshua Zirkzee.’

Another added: ‘Joshua Zirkzee has quietly been plugging away the last few games and solidifying his place in the starting 11, well deserved.’

A further fan chimed in with: ‘If you’re a Utd fan and Zirkzee scoring doesn’t bring a huge smile to your face then we have nothing in common lol.’

‘We might be witnessing the nastiest comeback arc from Joshua Zirkzee,’ an extra fan quipped.’

Zirkzee has settled into a role just off the striker in Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system

And United fans were quick to comment on Zirkzee’s improvement and redemption arc

Meanwhile, another supporter commented on how Amorim has started to get the best out of Zirkzee by tweaking his tactics.

‘For all the early criticism, Joshua Zirkzee is emerging as one of the few bright spots in a disastrous Manchester United season,’ they said.

‘Many expected him to be something he’s not, an in-and-out striker, which led to unfair scrutiny. But he’s kept his head down, consistently putting in shifts and making the most of his opportunities despite a lack of runners in the team to capitalize on his movement and passes. 

‘A talented player who I believe could have a real future at the club if things go right.’

Meanwhile, Amorim had joined in on the praise for Zirkzee after the game as he said: ‘He deserves it because he is working really well, improving lots of things in the game, (and) he was really important for us today.’

United return to action on Sunday when they host Arsenal, before the Red Devils face Real Sociedad next Thursday.