Manchester United’s search for a new left-back has been the talk of the town, with Milos Kerkez and Antonee Robinson both linked to the Red Devils. But are they the right fit for Ruben Amorim’s vision? And what about Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Old Trafford?
We discussed Manchester United’s transfer topics with Paul Parker, who was a part of Manchester United’s 1992-93 and 1993-94 Premier League winning sides. The former England international discussed the club’s hunt for left-backs as well as the future of summer signing Joshua Zirkzee, who has failed to impress.
Kerkez and Robinson are not major upgrades at the left-back position
Parker is of the opinion that both Kerkez and Robinson, while having great seasons, do not fit with what Ruben Amorim wants from his full-backs. He argues that both of them are linked to Man Utd because they are playing for clubs that are punching above their weight.
“Both Kerkez and Robinson would leave their club to come to Man United, but they are not what Man United are looking for. They are being mentioned because they are at clubs who are doing well this season.”
While Kerkez has impressed at Bournemouth and Robinson has exceeded expectations at Fulham, Parker believes neither would cut it at United. This is despite both players’ standout performances in the Premier League this season.
Robinson, in particular, has been in excellent form, providing 7 assists in 20 Premier League appearances so far. Meanwhile, Kerkez, at just 21 years old, has shown promise with 1 goal and 2 assists in 20 Premier League appearances.
“Kerkez is doing okay, but no. Neither of them would work. Robinson has done better than the Fulham fans expected because I remember everyone wanted to get a new left-back when they returned to the Premier League.”
But what about Robinson’s leadership qualities? Surely that’s a plus? Parker acknowledges Robinson’s progress but remains unconvinced:
“Robinson has done well and has been captain a few times, but no. Ruben Amorim will have a different idea of what he is looking for in that role. 100%.”
Parker highlights this further by saying that both Kerkez and Robinson are not upgrades on Diogo Dalot, the incumbent left back at Old Trafford, and Manchester United need upgrades in that position. This is why he doesn’t see them joining the Red Devils.
“Neither of them will be left backs at Man United. Dalot had his best game for a long time because he was up against Trent Alexander-Arnold, who couldn’t defend. Dalot loved it, and everyone loves playing against Trent. But in general, I think Man United needs an upgrade in that position, but it shouldn’t be Kerkez or Robinson.”
Parker’s stance is particularly interesting given the impressive statistics of both players. Robinson, for instance, averages 1.90 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes and ranks in the 88th percentile for percentage of dribblers tackled among full-backs. Kerkez, on the other hand, has shown his potential with two assists in Bournemouth’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City and has kept clean sheets against top teams like Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester United.
Zirkzee doesn’t have it in him to be a Manchester United player
Switching gears to United’s current squad, Joshua Zirkzee’s struggles have been hard to ignore. The Dutch striker has failed to meet expectations since his summer move, managing just three goals in 20 Premier League appearances. Parker didn’t hold back when discussing Zirkzee’s recent performances and the fans’ reaction.
Speaking about the forward, Parker said: “It’s not right to boo a player when he’s taken off and had poor performances, but when he got booed, it was wrong. I would also say he’s being booed because they’re not seeing effort. They’re not seeing blood, sweat and tears. He doesn’t look the fittest or the most energetic. He’s got his socks around his ankles, and it just doesn’t look right. Those that booed were a minority if you take in the whole stadium, but the media made it seem like it was the whole stadium.”
Parker continues, saying that the Dutchman made a mistake by going to the dressing room instead of standing his ground and sitting on the bench when Amorim subbed him off. While Parker understands that it was a hard moment emotionally for the Dutch forward, he is of the opinion that Zirkzee could have shown more mental fortitude.
“He shouldn’t have walked away from his teammates. His manager has to give him the blessing to go to the dressing room. Zirkzee should have stood his ground. It would have been hard emotionally and he would have been bubbling inside and fuming but he’s got to understand why the manager did it.”
Parker concludes by saying that Zirkzee does not fit the dynamic style that Amorim envisions and predicts that the Red Devils will ship him out.
“I don’t think he can play in a dynamic team and United are heading towards being a dynamic team. Zirkzee was an impact buy. Football needs to get back to managers bringing in players they want. We just see moments and think it will work.”
“It takes a certain type of player to play for Manchester United. We’re seeing more and more players who don’t get it. Zirkee will get moved on.”
As United continue their search for reinforcements and try to revive their faltering season, it’s clear that tough decisions lie ahead. Will they find the right left-back to bolster their defence? And can Zirkzee turn his United career around, or is his time at the Theatre of Dreams ending?
