Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney was forced into a dramatic U-turn after Joshua Zirkzee produced a moment of magic to spark Manchester United's comeback victory against Crystal Palace on November 30, 2025.
From 'Embarrassing' to Electrifying
The match at Selhurst Park seemed to be following a familiar, grim script for the Red Devils. They trailed at half-time to a twice-taken penalty from Jean-Phillipe Mateta, and their performance in the first 45 minutes was widely described as lifeless. Manager Ruben Amorim had hoped for a reaction after a poor showing against Everton, but his team looked devoid of ideas.
Zirkzee's personal performance was a particular point of criticism. Speaking on talkSPORT during the game, a stunned Troy Deeney did not hold back. 'It's really poor again from Zirkzee,' Deeney said. 'I've been retired for two years – Man United give me six weeks and a third of what he's doing and I'm probably sure I can do better. It is embarrassing watching him play at this moment in time. He just looks like a lost soul, an absolute lost soul.'
A Stunning Transformation
Few could have predicted the transformative impact Zirkzee would have in the second half. His first-half statistics were meagre: just nine passes, 23 touches, and no shots on target. He was a prime candidate to be substituted.
However, Amorim kept faith with the maligned forward, and that faith was repaid in spectacular fashion. Latching onto a cleverly angled free-kick from Bruno Fernandes, Zirkzee controlled the ball instantly before unleashing a thunderous shot across Dean Henderson and into the far corner.
The goal completely changed the complexion of the game and the narrative around Zirkzee's performance. The same Troy Deeney who had lambasted him minutes earlier was now singing his praises. 'He's got no right to score that,' Deeney commented. 'I'm questioning the 'keeper, but it's a wonderful finish. We've been giving him grief, and rightly so, but that's a massive moment in his career. I'm flabbergasted that he's done that.'
What This Means for United and Zirkzee
Deeney went on to highlight the sheer audacity of the goal, given Zirkzee's earlier display. 'It's not even the fact that he scored the goal, it's the fact he's shown you nothing in this game so far that you would even get a shot off. But to even have that level of self-assuredness to even take the shot. The confidence of it is frightening.'
This moment could prove pivotal for both the player and the club. With injuries to Matheus Cunha and the impending departure of Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo for the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim is likely to rely on Zirkzee more heavily in the coming weeks.
When asked if the goal – his first in the league for nearly a year – would boost the striker's confidence, Amorim pointed to broader improvements. 'Scoring is important but it's not just the goals,' the manager said. 'They give confidence but Joshua has also improved a lot in how he holds the ball. That should give him a lot of confidence. He influences the game and that's important to our game.'
This dramatic turnaround at Selhurst Park, fuelled by a single moment of brilliance, may have just altered the course of Joshua Zirkzee's Manchester United career.
