Harsh reality for £32m star: Man United XI vs Liverpool was the worst news for him

Manchester United finally broke their nine-year curse at Anfield with a breathtaking victory over Liverpool.

Harry Maguire etched his name into United folklore, rising high to crash home an 84th-minute header into the bottom corner.

United head coach Ruben Amorim showcased his tactical brilliance, completely outmanoeuvring Arne Slot by setting up his side to dominate second balls and transitional duels.

The 40-year-old caught everyone off guard, including Slot, by benching Benjamin Sesko, a bold gamble that paid off handsomely.

While United supporters will cherish that unforgettable Sunday evening for a long time, one United player may be left worrying about his future.

Joshua Zirkzee joined his jubilant teammates on the pitch after the final whistle to soak in the euphoria, which is a clear reflection of his professionalism and team spirit.

However, it was another game where he was left on the bench for the entire duration.

Zirkzee has clocked just 82 minutes across four matches, a meagre return for a player of his potential and ambition.

With no European football and an early Carabao Cup exit, United’s fixture list has thinned considerably.

Benjamin Sesko is Amorim’s undisputed first-choice striker after completing his blockbuster move from RB Leipzig this summer.

After the departure of Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli, Zirkzee was expected to take up the back-up role to Sesko.

We are only in October, and it seems he is already slipping down the pecking order.

Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha shared the responsibility of leading the attack as false nines at the start of the campaign, adding further competition for a position Zirkzee hoped to make his own.

His pre-season injury initially offered him the benefit of the doubt, with many assuming Amorim was simply giving the 24-year-old time to rebuild his sharpness.

When Sesko was benched on Sunday, Cunha was chosen to lead the line, while Zirkzee remained among the substitutes. That selection spoke volumes.

It was a clear signal to the £32 million-rated ace that he might not get opportunities even when Sesko is not playing.

With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, the Netherlands international knows he cannot afford to spend much time on the bench.

If his situation does not improve soon, a January move could be his best chance to secure the game time he needs.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .