Zirkzee opens his Netherlands account

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Sunday 08 September 2024 10:24

Manchester United had a number of internationals in action on Saturday, and Joshua Zirkzee netted his first-ever goal for the Netherlands’ senior side.

It was the 23-year-old’s first start for Ronald Koeman’s side and just his third appearance but, much like the beginning of his United career, it didn’t take long for Zirkzee to make his mark.

In the 13th minute, Xavi Simons took on a shot that was sent looping above the Bosnia and Herzegovina defence and our summer signing, with his back to goal, creatively caught the goalkeeper unaware by knocking a reverse header into the back of the net to give the Oranje the lead.

That wasn’t the end of his contributions, however, as Joshua set up the Netherlands’ second to re-establish their lead, after a Bosnian equaliser. Dropping deep, Zirkzee got the move going when he found Tijjani Reijnders in the middle of the park, who topped off an impressive central run with a finish.

Joining our no.11 for the fun was fellow countryman and United summer arrival Matthijs de Ligt. The defender played the full 90 minutes alongside Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk for this encounter.

Former Red Wout Weghorst also got on the scoresheet, as did Cody Gakpo and Simons.

The match, at the Philips Stadoion in Eindhoven, finished 5-2, with Ermedin Demirovic and former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko among the goals for the opposition.

Elsewhere in Europe, there were Reds in action across the Irish Sea at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Both Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire were in from the start for new interim England boss Lee Carsley’s first line-up. It was Maguire’s return to the international stage after unfortunately missing out on Euro 2024 action through injury, and he managed to keep the Republic of Ireland quiet alongside Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi in defence, before being replaced by John Stones in the 85th minute.

Mainoo’s night was marginally shorter in midfield, when he made way in the 77th minute for another United Academy graduate in Angel Gomes. The midfielder — who now plies his trade for Ligue 1 outfit Lille — was making his Three Lions debut.

Goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish handed Carsley a debut win and all three points in Dublin.

The only member of Erik ten Hag’s side to feature outside of Europe on Saturday evening was goalkeeper Andre Onana.

He linked up with his Cameroon side for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Namibia, where he kept a clean sheet.

It was a slender win in the end; the Indomitable Lions’ forward Vincent Aboubakar scored the only goal of the match to put Cameroon top of Group J.

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Sunday 08 September 2024 10:24