Manchester United continue to show an unstable performance under coach Ruben Amorim. The 0-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur not only cost the team important points but also raised many doubts about the 40-year-old coach’s tactical operation.

Although some individuals played well, especially Joshua Zirkzee, the team has not yet found the necessary cohesion to maintain stable performance, thereby raising hopes of improving their position on the Premier League table in the near future.

The Dutch striker just scored an important goal to help Manchester United come from behind to defeat Leicester City in the FA Cup, and also showed a remarkable performance when facing Tottenham Hotspur. However, the Portuguese strategist’s lack of consistency in personnel arrangement has prevented his student from being able to maximize his ability.

He has been deployed in a variety of positions, sometimes as a striker, sometimes as a deep-lying midfielder. The lack of a fixed role has prevented him from reaching his full potential.

The 90 minutes in North London have shown that Joshua Zirkzee is better suited to playing in a deeper role than as a striker. He possesses good individual technique, the ability to link up with the midfield consistently and can create breakthrough plays.

His improved physique, increased speed and strong tackling ability help the Dutch striker make a big impact. However, without being placed in the right tactical system, these qualities will hardly bring maximum efficiency.

The fact that a player with potential like Joshua Zirkzee is still struggling to find a place only reflects part of the larger problem at Manchester United. The team has not yet built a clear playing style, the players lack connection in their playing style, and the 40-year-old coach is still struggling with experiments that have not brought positive results.