Joshua zirkzee reveals the one Manchester united player that doesn’t deserve to start again
Manchester United’s crushing 3-1 loss to Brentford has left the club in turmoil, with tensions spilling into the open after Joshua Zirkzee launched a scathing attack on teammate Manuel Ugarte. The Dutch striker, clearly furious, claimed that Ugarte’s continued role in the starting lineup is holding the team back and worsening their struggles.
“I don’t want to come across as disrespectful, but Ugarte shouldn’t be starting for us anymore unless Amorim wants us to keep losing,” Zirkzee admitted after the defeat. “He’s cost us too many times already this season.”
His words captured the frustration within the dressing room, as United once again looked weak and disjointed in midfield, with Ugarte at the center of the collapse. Those close to the squad believe his mistakes played a major role in the loss, and Zirkzee’s public criticism suggests faith in certain players is quickly eroding.
The Brentford match laid bare United’s problems. Ugarte was frequently overrun, losing challenges and wasting possession, leaving his team exposed. Zirkzee, when introduced later, tried to inject energy and pressing up front, but his efforts were undone by the gaping holes left behind in midfield. As a forward who relies on service, his anger reflects the growing sense of isolation felt by the attackers.
Fans were quick to react online, many siding with Zirkzee. Comments like “Ugarte’s costing us points” and “respect to Zirkzee for speaking the truth” trended across social media, though some worried such remarks could create deeper rifts in the squad. Analysts also pointed out that Ugarte’s pattern of defensive lapses and poor distribution has become a recurring problem, raising serious questions about Ruben Amorim’s insistence on keeping him in the side.
The situation now places Amorim in a precarious position. Continuing with Ugarte risks alienating other players and further damaging morale, but dropping him might be seen as caving to internal pressure. Either way, United’s manager faces a delicate balancing act as he tries to steady a team already beset by inconsistency and injuries.
With dressing room frustrations now spilling into the public, Manchester United stand at a dangerous crossroads. Unless Amorim can restore unity and find solutions quickly, this growing divide could derail his tenure before it even gathers momentum.
