Joshua Zirkzee arrived at Manchester United this summer for £36.5 million from Bologna, yet people have expected ‘too much’ from the Netherlands international, according to Jaap Stam.

The striker made an impact from the bench yet again in Thursday's 3-1 win over Southampton, following on from scoring the winning penalty in the shootout win over Arsenal, 17 days on from being booed off the pitch in a defeat to Newcastle.

His performances are improving each time he wears United’s famous red and Stam feels he needs time to adapt to a new league and a new system under Ruben Amorim.

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When Speaking to BoyleSports about Premier League betting, Stam said: “People expect too much from Joshua Zirkzee. It’s the same with Rasmus Hojlund. He is a young player that has been brought into the club and needs time to adjust to the team, the league and the system.

“A new manager has come in with a new system but it seems people expect him to score in every game. There has been talk of him leaving and that he isn’t good enough, but no one in this team is really consistent, except Harry Maguire at the moment.

“I don’t think we need to be critical of every young player that comes into the club, the manager needs time to get the best out of his players. You can’t keep signing players and spending more money.’’

Across his last few appearances, including fixtures against highflying Arsenal and Liverpool, Zirkzee has came on and impacted the game. His ability to hold the ball up and bring his teammates into the game upon his introductions against Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup, and at home to the Saints on Thursday night, helped lead his side to victory.

We must not forget being a striker is about a lot more than just scoring goals. Zirkzee deserves time and patience.