Thank goodness we didn’t waste our money on him. He can’t play football like a good Spanish footballer. We don’t have to drag him with Arsenal. They should go aheaf and sign him”-Man United Fans have made up their minds on Manchester United transfer target after just 45 minutes of watching him vs Man Utd

Martin Zubimendi’s return to the starting lineup against Manchester United on Thursday, after missing the first leg in Spain due to illness, drew significant attention. With Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly eyeing the 26-year-old midfielder—who both clubs pursued unsuccessfully last summer—fans were eager to see him in action. Arsenal, in particular, is said to be monitoring Zubimendi, potentially poised to activate his £51 million release clause.
However, after just 45 minutes at Old Trafford, some Arsenal supporters on social media were far from impressed with the Spanish international’s performance. Many expressed doubts about his ability to solve the team’s midfield issues, with his first-half display failing to ignite excitement.
One X user posted: “I swear the only time I’ve seen Zubimendi stand out was for Spain against England in the Euros. Every time I watch him at Real Sociedad, he’s just average. What’s so special about him that every top European club is after him?”
Another wrote: “Zubimendi is dreadful. Scrap the deal and sign Bruno G instead.”
A third Arsenal fan chimed in: “Zubimendi is painfully average—doesn’t improve us at all.”In a thrilling Europa League encounter at the Reale Arena, Manchester United and Real Sociedad played out a 1-1 draw, leaving the tie delicately poised ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford. The spotlight shone brightly on United’s young striker, Joshua Zirkzee, whose performance not only reignited his season but also drew effusive praise from captain Bruno Fernandes.

Zirkzee, who had recently faced criticism following a missed penalty in the FA Cup defeat to Fulham, showcased resilience and determination against Sociedad. His moment of redemption came in the 57th minute when he clinically finished a well-orchestrated move, giving United a deserved lead. This goal marked his first in European competition for the Red Devils, a testament to his perseverance and talent.

The match, however, was not without controversy. A contentious VAR decision led to a penalty for Sociedad after Fernandes was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the spot-kick, leveling the score and setting up a tantalizing second leg.

Despite the setback, Fernandes was quick to highlight Zirkzee’s standout performance. Reflecting on the young forward’s journey, Fernandes remarked, “At first, I asked myself if truly he’s from this planet because he hadn’t delivered such an impressive performance like he did, where all hope was lost. He really stood for us. I’m happy for him and also have a special gift for him as the captain.”

Fernandes’ comments underscore the significance of Zirkzee’s contribution, especially considering the team’s recent challenges. The captain’s acknowledgment serves as both a morale booster for Zirkzee and a rallying cry for the squad as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.

The Dutch striker’s journey at United has been a mix of highs and lows. His recent performances indicate a player ready to seize his moment. The goal against Sociedad not only boosted his confidence but also showcased his potential to be a pivotal figure in United’s attacking lineup.

As the Red Devils gear up to face Premier League leaders Arsenal, the spotlight remains on Zirkzee. Fernandes, echoing the sentiments of fans and pundits alike, expressed hope that the young forward can replicate his European form on the domestic stage. “We need him to perform like that against Arsenal,” Fernandes added, emphasizing the importance of consistency and impact in crucial matches.

The upcoming clash against Arsenal is not just another league game; it’s a test of character, resilience, and ambition. United’s season has been a rollercoaster, and a strong performance against the Gunners could reignite their campaign. Zirkzee’s role in this context becomes even more critical. His ability to lead the line, create opportunities, and finish clinically could be the difference-maker.

Manager Ruben Amorim, who has been navigating the team through a series of challenging fixtures, will undoubtedly look to harness the momentum from the Sociedad game. Addressing the media, Amorim highlighted the need for focus and preparation. He also touched upon the incident where Rasmus Hojlund expressed frustration towards Diogo Dalot for a missed crossing opportunity, emphasizing the importance of cohesion and understanding among teammates.

The camaraderie within the squad, exemplified by Fernandes’ public support for Zirkzee, reflects a team united in its objectives. Such unity will be crucial as they navigate the challenges ahead, both domestically and in Europe.

In conclusion, Joshua Zirkzee’s resurgence comes at a pivotal juncture for Manchester United. His performance against Real Sociedad not only salvaged a draw but also reignited belief within the squad. As they prepare to face Arsenal, the onus will be on Zirkzee and his teammates to channel this momentum, deliver a standout performance, and steer their sea

son back on course.

Yet another commented: “Zubimendi isn’t the solution we need.”
Despite the fan skepticism, Jamie Carragher offered a different perspective on Monday Night Football. The pundit argued that Arsenal’s struggles aren’t solely tied to their lack of a striker, as some suggest. Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: “Forget chasing a number nine. The priority might be adding more creative players. It looks like they’re targeting [Martin] Zubimendi in the summer to possibly replace Partey in that holding midfield role. He’s a different type of player, and that first step toward more creativity could make them more competitive in the Premier League next season.”

Martin Zubimendi’s recent performances have been under scrutiny, especially with transfer speculations linking him to Arsenal. In Real Sociedad’s 4-0 defeat to Barcelona on March 2, 2025, Zubimendi was substituted at halftime due to an injury concern, raising “alarm bells” within the club.

This setback led to his absence in the subsequent Europa League match against Manchester United on March 6, 2025, where Sociedad suffered a 4-1 loss, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate exit from the competition.

Despite these challenges, Zubimendi has previously showcased his potential. In a match against Espanyol on February 9, 2025, he played the full 90 minutes, contributing to Sociedad’s victory and earning praise from Spanish media.

Arsenal fans have expressed mixed reactions to the potential signing of Zubimendi. Some are optimistic about bolstering the midfield, while others feel that reinforcing the forward line should be a priority.

As the summer transfer window approaches, it remains to be seen how these developments will influence Arsenal’s pursuit of the midfielder.