Zirkzee admits only he can fix his Manchester United exile after Netherlands call-up

Joshua Zirkzee has taken personal responsibility for his limited role at Manchester United, admitting he must improve his own performances to earn more minutes after scoring for the Netherlands in their 2-1 Nations League victory over Serbia on Sunday.

The 25-year-old forward had managed just four appearances and 70 minutes for United across all competitions this season before receiving a late call-up to the Netherlands squad, replacing injured Sunderland striker Brian Bobbey. New Netherlands head coach Xavi introduced Zirkzee from the bench in both games against Greece and Serbia, and the forward repaid that faith with his second international goal — a finish he admitted needed a decisive touch to keep it away from the post.

“Even if it was going in, I think Tijjani [Reijnders] would know that I still gave it an extra touch,” Zirkzee told 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 revealed that Xavi selected him specifically for his ability on the ball, despite his scarcity of minutes at club level, but acknowledged the situation at United needs to change. “At the moment, that means I am mainly coming on as a substitute,” he said. “And in the end, I have to do something about that myself, even if it isn’t easy.”

The call-up came as a genuine surprise to the player, who had last featured for the Netherlands in November 2024. “I absolutely did not expect a call-up,” he said. “I’m obviously not a starter, so it did give me a good feeling that the coach had confidence in me. But absolutely not expected, no.”

Zirkzee had sought a January exit from Old Trafford in search of regular football, and considered leaving again during the summer transfer window, only to be told by the club that he remained a needed squad member. With United manager Michael Carrick yet to make him a regular fixture in the starting XI, Zirkzee’s honest self-assessment suggests he is aware that international recognition alone will not secure his place — results at club level must follow.