Carrick embraces Zirkzee after failed Everton move
Michael Carrick believes Joshua Zirkzee will still be an important player for Manchester United this season, despite almost joining upcoming opponent Everton on deadline day.
Zirkzee was reportedly close to completing a move to the Toffees, but rumours suggested United pulled out of the deal after loaning out another striker in Chido Obi.
The 25-year-old did not feature in either of United's opening two Premier League games this season, while he started in just five of his 26 appearances for the Red Devils last season.
Despite almost leaving the club, Carrick insists Zirkzee still has a role to play in the squad.
"Yeah, for sure, Josh is important," Carrick said.
"I think, again, the team, the squad, the depth, the whole season. Josh is happy here and I have a really good relationship with Josh anyway.
"He wants to play more than he has done and that's good, there's healthy competition for places with a lot of games coming up, even in the next couple of weeks.
"We've got the shorter period between games. So yeah, for sure, Josh can do some really, really top things, you know, and I've seen it myself, and I know he can do that, and I'm looking forward to him doing that a little bit more often for us."
Everton was hoping to bring in a striker on deadline day after Beto left for Fiorentina, but it was dealt a late blow.
After Zirkzee's move fell through, Folarin Balogun's expected transfer from Monaco collapsed after the United States international had a change of heart.
The Toffees have picked up four points from their opening two games, but manager David Moyes has acknowledged the limitations of his squad.
"I know what I needed and I know what it’s like to build a squad for the Premier League," he said.
"I know the numbers you need. I’ve been around long enough to know that, but some things went against us and some things could have gone better.
"Ultimately, we didn’t want to lose a lot of the players, but for different reasons that had to happen.
"They’re all going to have to be able to muck in as we’ve got a real small squad now."
Joshua Orobosa Zirkzee
Manchester United FC
