Joshua Zirkzee’s rollercoaster journey at Manchester United continues, and the Dutch striker remains one of the most unpredictable — yet potentially game-changing — players in the squad. While inconsistency has frustrated fans and coaches alike, his ability to produce magical moments from nothing makes him far too valuable to let slip away during the January transfer window.

December 2024 set the tone for Zirkzee’s United story: a two-goal performance against Everton followed by humiliation against Newcastle, where he was substituted after just 33 minutes to the audible mockery of his own supporters. Fast forward a year, and Zirkzee’s status is still complex. He had not started a match until late November, prompting whispers among fans that his future at the club could be limited.

But when called upon, Zirkzee has the ability to turn matches on their head. Against Crystal Palace, he transformed a dull performance into a hero’s moment, scoring a brilliant goal and assisting in the winning play. Fans in the away end at Selhurst Park even chanted his name to the tune of Daft Punk’s “One More Time” — a reminder of how quickly perceptions can change.

Zirkzee’s career at United has often followed this pattern. After being jeered at Newcastle, he bounced back with a winning penalty against Arsenal in the FA Cup and scored in crucial Europa League away games against Real Sociedad and Lyon. He became a cult figure among supporters despite limited opportunities.

Yet, his role remains precarious. Following injuries and the arrival of £200 million worth of new attacking talent, Zirkzee has struggled to secure consistent playing time. Reports of frustration and interest from other clubs have surfaced, with Everton, West Ham, and several Italian teams, including Roma, monitoring his situation.

However, selling Zirkzee in January carries high risk and low reward. Interest from Roma is loan-based with conditions tied to Champions League qualification — a deal that provides United little certainty or immediate benefit. His flashes of brilliance, coupled with his potential to be a difference-maker in key moments, suggest that Manchester United should think twice before allowing him to depart.

In a squad with an already-packed attacking roster, Zirkzee’s unpredictability might just be exactly what United needs to turn tight games in their favor. For a player capable of producing moments of magic out of nothing, letting him go in January would be a gamble United cannot afford to take.

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Chelsea had a night to forget at Elland Road as Leeds United outclassed, outran, and outright bullied the Blues in a bitter 3-1 defeat that leaves serious questions about their Premier League title credentials. For a team that showed grit and high-level intensity against Arsenal just days ago, this performance felt like a dramatic crash back to reality.

From the first whistle, Leeds came out flying, throwing everything at Chelsea’s backline. Within five minutes, they had already forced multiple corners and attempts on goal — and the pressure paid off. Jakob Bijol rose highest from a brilliant Anton Stach corner to give Leeds a deserved early lead.

Chelsea tried to keep the ball but created little. The back three of Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, and Benoit Badiashile spent most of the first half passing sideways with no real penetration. The midfield looked disconnected, and Leeds took full advantage.

Just when it looked like Chelsea might limp into halftime at 1-0, disaster struck. A sloppy square pass from Tosin put Enzo Fernandez under pressure. The Argentine was dispossessed, the ball fell to Jayden Bogle, and Ao Tanaka unleashed a rocket into the top corner from distance. Suddenly, Chelsea were 2-0 down and deservedly so.

Enzo Maresca made changes at halftime, and the introduction of Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto sparked some life. Neto smashed home a well-worked goal early in the second half, offering hope — but only briefly.

Another Tosin error killed the momentum. The defender hesitated in his own box, was robbed by Noah Okafor, and the chaos ended with Dominic Calvert-Lewin tapping in from close range. That was the final blow. A night of mistakes, missed opportunities, and mental lapses cost the Blues dearly.

Despite their heroic effort against Arsenal days earlier, Chelsea’s lack of physicality and defensive composure at Elland Road was alarming. A team chasing the title cannot afford performances this fragile. As it stands, they now sit nine points behind the league leaders and must regroup quickly.

Below is a quick look at the standout player ratings from the match:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Robert Sanchez — 5/10
Couldn’t do much about the goals. Made a few sharp saves but was unlucky with the third.

Trevoh Chalobah — 4/10
Decent blocks but struggled to contain Leeds’ movement.

Tosin Adarabioyo — 2/10
A nightmare outing. Two costly errors and little confidence on the ball.

Benoit Badiashile — 4/10
Uncomfortable and unsure. Substituted at halftime.

Marc Cucurella — 4/10
Roamed a lot but didn’t offer much end product.

Midfield

Andrey Santos — 5/10
Tried to progress play but often looked uncertain of his role.

Enzo Fernandez — 3/10
Poor touches, dispossessed for the second goal, and looked rattled throughout.

Joao Pedro — 4/10
Never really found his rhythm.

Attack

Estevao — 3/10
Direct but ineffective. Poor decision-making.

Liam Delap — 4/10
A quiet night and struggled to connect with teammates.

Jamie Gittens — 5/10
Wasteful early, but improved to assist Neto’s goal.

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A Wild Premier League Night Ends With A Respectful Pep–Chukwueze Moment

The Premier League delivered pure chaos at Craven Cottage — nine goals, breathtaking football, and one Nigerian winger who nearly flipped the script on the defending champions.

But beyond the 5–4 scoreline, one moment stole the spotlight:
Pep Guardiola walking straight to Samuel Chukwueze, sharing a hug, a laugh, and a short conversation that instantly set the internet buzzing.

Chukwueze Turns The Game On Its Head

Fulham were buried 5–1 when Chukwueze came on at half-time.
Then everything changed.

With speed, flair, and confidence that looked straight out of his Villarreal days, the 26-year-old fired in a brilliant brace — two goals in eight minutes — and suddenly, City were sweating.

His directness troubled Guardiola’s side all game, and his performance felt like a declaration:

Chukwueze has arrived in the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola Was Clearly Impressed

Cameras picked up the moment right after full-time:

• Pep walks directly to Chukwueze

• Wraps him in a warm hug

• Shares a laugh

• And keeps talking as they walk together off the pitch

It wasn’t a polite “well played.”
It was genuine admiration.

And football fans — especially in the transfer-driven sports market — noticed immediately.

Social media exploded with comments like:

• “Pep loves him. City move loading?”

• “Chukwueze cooking City and still getting hugged — Pep really wants him.”

Given City’s struggles to find a Raheem Sterling–type winger since 2022, the speculation isn’t far-fetched.

Transfer Whispers Begin To Grow

Chukwueze is currently on loan from AC Milan, but nights like this don’t go unnoticed:

• Top managers start paying attention

• Clubs begin reassessing their scouting

• And players suddenly find themselves on bigger radars

With City lacking a consistent right-sided goal threat, Chukwueze’s explosive style fits a lot of what Guardiola loves — pace, bravery, unpredictability.

And when Pep hugs you like that?
The football world takes notes.

What’s Next For Chukwueze?

His Fulham form is picking up rapidly, and if he keeps producing moments like this, the summer transfer window will be very interesting.

For now, though, one thing is clear:

Pep respected what he saw.
Chukwueze made a statement.
And the Premier League just got even more exciting.

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