Joshua Zirkzee has hit back at a recent report by German news outlet Bild which claimed that the Man United striker was ‘hapless and unmotivated’ in training.

“I thought it [Bild’s report] was a bit too much, unnecessary,” the Dutchman told De Telegraaf.

“Everyone has a training in which they score less goals. Do I have to keep walking around with a happy face?

“On the one hand, it motivates me even more. On the other hand, I think: let it go. As long as trainers and fellow players believe in me. That is the most important thing, I will continue to work for that.”

United supporters will be eager to see a comparable reaction from Zirkzee following his underwhelming performance over the weekend. The 23-year-old, signed for £36.5 million, has managed four goals across 24 appearances in all competitions this season.

Since scoring on the opening day, he has found the net just twice in the league, despite playing in all 17 of United’s matches so far, and both goals came in the same game (vs Everton). Time will tell whether he’ll be able to turn his Old Trafford career around, but criticism, it seems, won’t be a problem for the youngster.