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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ten Hag backs Zirkzee to become 'prolific'</li><li>Fernandes return to form is 'only a matter of time'</li><li>Both players have had slow starts to new season</li></ul>

Erik ten Hag makes huge Joshua Zirkzee claim as Man Utd boss leaps to defence of underperforming Bruno Fernandes

Premier League

Ipswich

Manchester United

Ten Hag believes Zirkzee can eventually find the goals to make him a success at Old Trafford after scoring just once since his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/joshua-zirkzee-man-utd-bologna-gbp36m-transfer-old-trafford-ineos/blt7ea32762eb03c836" target="_self">summer transfer from Bologna</a>. The United boss insisted he is otherwise happy with the 23-year-old's 'abilities' in attack.Fernandes, meanwhile, has only provided a single assist in his opening five Premier League appearances this season but Ten Hag has backed his captain to deliver as he has done throughout his time at United.

WHAT HAPPENED?

United endured back-to-back draws in their last two games against Crystal Palace and<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/erik-ten-hag-laments-man-utd-goal-underwhelming-europa-league-draw-twente/bltb892060843eb0bc5" target="_self"> FC Twente, scoring just once</a> despite having 34 shots combined across both matches. Zirkzee and Fernandes played a large portion of both games but neither could provide a significant contribution in attack. With just five goals in their opening five games, only three teams have scored fewer times in the Premier League than United so far this season.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

“Yes I do [think he can become a prolific goalscorer for United],” Ten Hag said. “Sure, he is young. We see his great abilities. He is a very good link-up player, as you say, he is creative.“He is creating chances but be fair, also he has his moments towards the goal from the opposition. I think it was a great action he had [against FC Twente] and a great finish he had, top save from the keeper but in that area he can definitely improve. We know he has some very good attributes, and he has to improve, and he needs our support on how to improve.”

WHAT TEN HAG SAID ABOUT ZIRKZEE

"I think the team brings him in a situation," Ten Hag said. "I think he is capable, I think he has proven this so many years already in the Premier League that he can create many chances and I am convinced he will not do differently this season. He will come on this point and find his form, he will make final passes and score goals, 100%. And it's just a matter of time."

WHAT TEN HAG SAID ABOUT FERNANDES

Zirkzee will likely continue to lead the line for United as Rasmus Hojlund plays his way back into fitness, with Fernandes expected to start. Ten Hag's men host Tottenham on Sunday looking to bounce back from their underwhelming results in the past week and truly kick-start their campaign. The Red Devils have <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/erik-ten-hag-reveals-where-man-utd-are-going-wrong-after-frustrating-europa-league-draw-to-fc-twente/blt557a7de6924157aa" target="_self">won just two of their opening five games</a> and sit 11th in the Premier League.

WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD, ZIRKZEE AND FERNANDES?

Erik ten Hag makes huge Joshua Zirkzee claim as Man Utd boss leaps to defence of underperforming Bruno Fernandes | Goal.com

Erik ten Hag has leapt to the defence of Joshua Zirkzee and Bruno Fernandes, insisting his underperforming Manchester United stars will improve.