Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has been left out of Netherlands squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League clash with Hungary in Amsterdam this evening.
Zirkzee was included in the 25-man squad named by Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman last week, making the cut alongside United teammate Matthijs de Ligt.
However, Zirkzee, who joined United in the summer from Italian side Bologna, has been left out of the 23-man matchday squad Koeman has selected for the clash with Hungary at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
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Zirkzee has been axed from the matchday squad alongside Bournemouth attacker Justin Kluivert. UEFA rules state that a 23-man squad for a Nations League league phase fixture must be submitted the night before the fixture in question.
Koeman, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, confirmed that two players from his 25-man squad would miss out on places in the matchday squad, but he stopped short of confirming who.
Zirkzee, who has scored just one goal in United colours since signing for the club in July, featured in both of the Netherlands’ Nations League fixtures during last month’s international break. He started the 1-1 draw against Hungary before being introduced as a second half substitute against Germany three days later.
The 23-year-old made his senior debut for the 1988 European Championship winners at Euro 2024, making two substitute appearances, including one against England at the semi-final stage. He scored his first Netherlands goal in their 5-2 win over Bosnia in the Nations League in September.
The former Bayern Munich man has so far struggled to impose himself at Old Trafford, leading to heavy criticism. However, former United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy offered a showing of support for his fellow countryman earlier this month.
Van Nistelrooy said: “Josh is more of a player who is coming toward the ball and gets the team playing. In the Crystal Palace game, I thought he was excellent and showed one of his best performances.
“Another one with a lot of talent, he’s a good age and has a lot of potential to develop. We have to look after him, give him time because he will get better and will be a very good player.”
