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Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has insisted that it’s a waste to deploy Joshua Zirkzee as a striker, as his best position is in the number 10 role.
Zirkzee endured a tough start to life at United following his summer move from Bologna but over the past few weeks, he seems to have turned it around and is now showing positive signs of improvement.
Amidst the spate of injuries United are currently dealing with, Ruben Amorim has primarily utilised Zirkzee as one of his two number 10s and the decision has paid some dividends.
Zirkzee scored United’s only goal in their 1-1 Europa League draw with Real Sociedad on Thursday. The Dutch forward produced a superb finish after connection with an Alejandro Garnacho cut-back.
After the final whistle, Amorim told reporters he was happy with Zirkzee and his gradual progression.
Now, Casemiro has also waxed lyrical about the 23-year-old, as he explained how to get the best out of him.
Casemiro said [via The Mirror], “I’m very happy for him and I hope he continues to score goals, which is important for us.”
“He’s a very good player. He’s not a number nine who stays in the middle. He’s a nine who goes out more to the wings, which is why he plays as a bit of a No.10, which is what this coach likes.”
“He’s very good, he’s got a lot of quality, he likes to control the ball, to spin. He’s a player who has more quality. It’s a waste to have him standing up front alone.”
“He’s not a player who always wants to be up there, leading the attack and scoring goals that way. He’s more of a player who wants to play and create.”
Casemiro also opened up on his uncertain transfer situation, indicating it is “too soon” to discuss whether or not he’ll stay at United beyond the upcoming window.
“Of course I want to play, but I always say, and these are my values, that I respect the coach a lot, I respect the club. Every day I go to Carrington or Old Trafford, I try to do my best. If a player is on the bench and is happy, that player is not worth anything for any team.”
“Of course I want to play, I want to have more minutes, but the coach is the one who makes the decisions and I have a lot of respect for him and for the club.”
He added, “It’s too soon to talk about next season, but of course I have another year of contract and then an option. We have important games and on Sunday we have Arsenal.”
“I’m here, I’m available, with total happiness, and I’m ready for the coach and the club. As everyone knows, I’m a big character for the club.”
Casemiro’s contract at Old Trafford expires in 2026.
Featured image Ion Alcoba Beitia via Getty Images
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