Pressure? New hero at Old Trafford takes it in his stride

JOSHUA Zirkzee strolled into the mixed zone and towered over a handful of journalists.

- STEVEN RAILSTON

Zirkzee had just scored on his debut for United, a late matchwinner on the opening day of the season, but produced just a few words to describe how it made him feel.

"A great feeling, a great feeling, it couldn't be any better," he said. Zirkzee was incredibly laidback in his first interview with club media last month and was equally relaxed when speaking to reporters, despite having scored the winner at Old Trafford around an hour previously.

"What can I say? Debut, winning, scoring in front of the Stretford End, so yeah, it's unbelievable," Zirkzee added.

Most players would still be riding the crest of the wave after making such a first impression, but it was as if the 23-year-old had just played in a park.

Some may think Zirkzee doesn't care because of his laidback nature but it's part of his charm there won't be an occasion that fazes him, and that will help at the world's biggest club.

United are the most scrutinised team in the world and Zirkzee looks tailor-made to deal with the pressure, simply because he chooses not to feel it.

"Where does this moment rank? Somewhere between my debuts, and it's a bit below winning the Champions League with Bayern and my national team debut, but it's up there," he said with an endearing grin on his face.

"I'm just trying to be the best version I can be, help the team and club, so no specific goals."