Paul Scholes again lamented the limited impact of Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee after his performance against Arsenal on Sunday.
United, as they have done on multiple occasions under Ruben Amorim, turned in an improved performance against one of the Premier League’s best sides.
The Red Devils soaked up pressure for much of the first half before taking the lead on the brink of half-time courtesy of Bruno Fernandes’ powerful free-kick.
And despite being pegged back by Declan Rice’s equaliser, United were unfortunate to note leave Old Trafford with three points as they spurned good opportunities in the closing stages.
Despite their improved display, which extended United’s unbeaten league run to three games, it was another frustrating afternoon for the hosts’ strikers.
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Rasmus Hojlund was dropped to the bench as his goalless run extended to 20 games, while Zirkzee was only able to muster one shot on goal prior to being withdrawn in the 76th minute.
And former United midfielder Scholes admitted he is still scratching his head as to how the Dutch striker fits into Amorim’s setup.
‘Both teams are in desperate need of a striker,’ Scholes told Premier League Productions post-match.
‘Zirkzee I thought was a little bit disappointing today. I’m not sure he’s a number nine or a number ten.
‘I’m not really sure what Zirkzee brings to the team. Rasmus Hojlund is obviously still having his issues but both teams are crying out for attacking players.’
Amorim, meanwhile, challenged his players to be more like their captain Fernandes who now has two goals and an assist in his last three games.
‘I think any coach when he wants to bring players, he expects the best, but sometimes they have to adapt and sometimes you have luck with the character of the player or not,’ said Amorim.
‘Even with all the investigation that all the coaches do before signing players. What I can say is that we need more Brunos. That is clear.
‘Not just the quality, the character, not some mistakes, but the character that he has, the availability in this league, is so important and he’s so decisive with the ball and without the ball.’
United face a quick turnaround before their Europa League last-16 second leg with Real Sociedad on Thursday.
But having secured a hard-fought draw in Spain last week, Scholes is confident his former side can take advantage at Old Trafford to book their spot in the quarter-finals.
‘I don’t think the season is just on Thursday because even if they win on Thursday they’ve still got another three rounds to go after that,’ he added.
‘But yeah that is massive for them, the Europa League is this season for them in a nutshell now. It’s been a disappointing league campaign although they probably should have won today.
‘Against the better teams, trangely enough, they have seemed to find a performance from somewhere. We’ll see what happens on Thursday, I thought they were quite comfortable over in Spain (in the first leg) and I expect them to go through.’
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