Joshua Zirkzee showcased just how much of a team player he is after Manchester United's vital victory over Southampton – as the forward bowed down to Amad following his speedy hat-trick.

The 22-year-old scored three goals in just 12 minutes as the Red Devils claimed a late 3-1 win over the Saints on Thursday (January 16), who had led the game until the 81st minute.

Amad now leads United's scoring charts with six Premier League goals and nine across all competitions in his first season at Old Trafford as a regular first-team player.

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Still only 51 games into his career in Manchester, the Ivory Coast international is already a key player for Ruben Amorim and a cornerstone of the club's future, having been rewarded with a new five-year-deal just days before his hat-trick.

Amad's team-mates certainly share the same faith in him that the club's hierarchy have if Zirkzee's on-pitch actions are anything to go by. The Dutchman hasn't had the most satisfying start to life in Manchester himself, but redeemed himself after scoring the winning penalty to knock out Arsenal in the FA Cup third round last week.

Moments after scoring United's winner, Amad was walking back to assume his position on the right side of the field before Zirkzee shouted his name to prompt him to turn around as he bowed down to show his respect for the young matchwinner.

The forward's sense of togetherness in what has been a troubling season for him personally can't go understated with a video of the encounter going viral on social media.

Following the game, Amad sounded off on the past week, admitting to TNT Sports: "[It is] maybe one of the best weeks in my life. We believed until the end and are happy to win this game. We drew with Arsenal and Liverpool so the confidence was there.

"I’m very happy for this win because this team deserved to win this game so I’m very happy. I’m ready to play every position. I’m ready to play right wing back, No.10, wherever the manager likes to put me. I am ready to fight for this club, so I never matter where I am. I’m so happy to play where the manager wanted me to play."

Amorim was keen to praise his young star but cautioned warning that too many plaudits may not be the best thing for the Ivorian. "I will tell him tomorrow he has to rest, eat good food and be ready for Sunday [against Brighton] when we need him again," the Portuguese boss said.

"He is having a very good season. Congratulations to him. I hope he enjoys tonight because he needs to appreciate these moments. But we have to be careful with young kids. This game is in the past."

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