Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, will have to switch up his starting lineup against Fenerbahce, but it’s a chance to try new things.

Joshua Zirkzee was signed for £36.5 million, and Manchester United fans had every reason to anticipate goals from him.

But in his first 11 games in United colors, the Netherlands international, who signed from Bologna in July, has only scored once, against Fulham on the first night of the Premier League season. Even though Zirkzee made an immediate impression at Old Trafford, it was quickly realized that he is not a naturally gifted goal scorer. There are very few United supporters who are certain he will score in the double figures this season.

However, the 23-year-old acknowledged shortly after joining Old Trafford that he is not a natural number nine. He is a self-described ‘9.5’ instead, playing between attack and midfield.

Zirkzee stated, “I sometimes drop down to midfield.” “I do that to support the team, not for myself. I consider myself to be a false striker. It’s not a No. 9 or No. 10. My score is 9.5. My game is that.

Zirkzee’s admission, made eleven appearances into his United tenure, has become quite clear. The Dutchman is a player that enjoys making things happen by dropping into areas of space between the lines.

Zirkzee began at the forefront of United’s attack, backed by Alejandro Garnacho and Amad, but frequently dropped deep to get on the ball and control play in last month’s 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace.

Zirkzee’s strongest suit is his ability to connect up. He tries to control the action by making deft passes and setting up opportunities for his teammates, and he is undoubtedly very skilled at it.

Zirkzee’s chances of beginning at the top will be limited as Rasmus Hojlund is back and healthy. The Dane will probably start Thursday night’s Europa League matchup against Fenerbahce in Turkey because he was outstanding in Saturday’s victory against Brentford.

The suspension of Bruno Fernandes, however, may give Zirkzee a chance to earn his first start since the 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. After getting sent off in the 3-3 tie with FC Porto earlier this month, the United captain will not play against Jose Mourinho’s team.

United appears to have little midfield options going into Turkey with Mason Mount out, Kobbie Mainoo hurt, and Toby Collyer missing the victory over Brentford. In order to provide place for Manuel Ugarte to start alongside Casemiro in one of the two deeper roles, Erik ten Hag is likely to push Christian Eriksen further forward to play as the No. 10. However, the manager’s rotation policy allows for cautious management of some players’ fitness loads.

Zirkzee might be a strong contender to play behind Hojlund as United’s most sophisticated midfielder. His playing style has shown that he can pluck the strings and play between the lines.

Despite Fernandes’ lackluster start to the season, United will still want a creative midfield player while he is away in Turkey. Zirkzee replacing him would probably garner Ten Hag kudos for going into the match with a winning mentality after United lost their opening two Europa League games against FC Twente and Porto.

Zirkzee is still raw at the age of 23 and getting used to a club with extremely high expectations. Giving him the chance to play a position where he isn’t directly responsible for scoring goals could help him grow. Ten Hag should definitely think about trying this experiment.