Man United Fans have made up their minds on Manchester United transfer target after just 45 minutes of watching him vs Man Utd
Martin Zubimendi’s return to the starting lineup against Manchester United on Thursday caught the attention of many, particularly as he had missed the first leg due to illness. With Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly reigniting their interest in the 26-year-old midfielder after failed attempts to sign him last summer, fans were eager to assess his performance. Arsenal, in particular, is believed to be keeping a close watch, with speculation that they might trigger his £51 million release clause.
However, his showing in the first half at Old Trafford left some Arsenal supporters unimpressed. Many took to social media, voicing concerns about whether he could truly address the team’s midfield deficiencies. Some argued that he lacked the qualities to elevate Arsenal’s play, questioning why so many top clubs were after him. One fan remarked that aside from a standout display for Spain against England in the Euros, Zubimendi had consistently looked average at Real Sociedad. Another dismissed him outright, calling for Arsenal to abandon their pursuit and instead sign Bruno Guimarães. The skepticism continued with others labeling him “painfully average” and not a significant upgrade for the squad.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Real Sociedad provided a dramatic night of football. Joshua Zirkzee, who had recently faced criticism for a costly penalty miss in the FA Cup defeat to Fulham, bounced back in impressive fashion. The young Dutch striker delivered a composed finish in the 57th minute to hand United the lead, marking his first goal in European competition for the club. However, Sociedad managed to claw back into the game after a VAR decision awarded them a penalty, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted to secure a 1-1 draw.
Despite the late equalizer, Zirkzee’s performance stood out, earning praise from captain Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese playmaker acknowledged the striker’s resilience, hinting that he had a special gift in store for him as a reward for his efforts. Fernandes emphasized how important Zirkzee’s resurgence was for the team, particularly with crucial fixtures ahead. His words served as both encouragement for the young forward and a rallying cry for United as they prepared for upcoming challenges.
Zirkzee’s journey at Old Trafford has been a mix of highs and lows, but this performance suggested he is ready to seize his moment. With Premier League leaders Arsenal up next, the pressure is mounting for him to translate his European form into domestic success. Fernandes stressed the need for consistency, urging the striker to replicate his impact against the Gunners. The clash with Arsenal represents more than just another league fixture; it is a crucial test of United’s character and ambition in a turbulent season.
Manager Ruben Amorim is tasked with maintaining the squad’s momentum, especially with tensions rising within the team. During the Sociedad match, an incident between Rasmus Højlund and Diogo Dalot highlighted frustrations over missed chances, something the manager hopes to address to ensure unity within the squad. Fernandes’ vocal support for Zirkzee reflects the importance of camaraderie in difficult moments, a quality that will be essential as United looks to regain stability.
On the other hand, Arsenal fans remain divided over Zubimendi’s potential signing. While some see him as a key addition to the midfield, others argue that strengthening the forward line should take precedence. Pundit Jamie Carragher offered an alternative view, suggesting that Arsenal’s issues go beyond needing a striker. He believes adding a creative presence in midfield, such as Zubimendi, could be a step toward making the team more competitive next season.
Zubimendi’s recent form has raised concerns, particularly after a disappointing performance in Real Sociedad’s 4-0 loss to Barcelona, which saw him subbed off at halftime due to injury. That setback also ruled him out of the 4-1 defeat to Manchester United in the Europa League, leading to Sociedad’s elimination. Despite these struggles, he has previously demonstrated his quality, notably playing a key role in Sociedad’s victory over Espanyol earlier in the season.
With the summer transfer window approaching, Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi remains a topic of debate. Whether the club ultimately decides to pursue him could depend on how he rebounds from recent setbacks and if he can convince skeptics that he is the right fit for Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
