Joshua Zirkzee ‘was reduced to tears’ after Man United fans jeered star when substituted 33 minutes into Newcastle defeat – as Ruben Amorim admits the forward is ‘suffering’
Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee was reportedly reduced to tears in the tunnel after being substituted in the first half of their Premier League clash with Newcastle.
Zirkzee was sacrificed by Man United boss Ruben Amorim after the Red Devils suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle at Old Trafford on Monday evening.
The £36.5million summer signing was completed 33 minutes into the match, with the home fans roaring as the Dutchman was taken off the pitch.
Once he reached the bench, Zirkzee picked up his jacket and quickly walked onto the sideline before heading into the tunnel.
According to Bein Sports and Sky Germany, Zirkzee was seen in the tunnel with tears in his eyes after being jeered and jeered by Man United fans.
Zirkzee would eventually return to the Man United bench a few minutes later with a water bottle in his hand.
Joshua Zirkzee was reportedly moved to tears after being jeered in the first half
The Man United striker was taken off after 33 minutes of the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle
Zirkzee walked along the sideline into the tunnel after being taken off the field
After the match, Amorim admitted that Zirkzee is ‘suffering’ as he endures a difficult debut season since moving to the Premier League, adding that the early move had been a ‘very, very difficult’ decision for him.
The Man United boss stressed that Zirkzee remained an important player for the club and cited Harry Maguire as an example of a star who endured a difficult period at the club.
“I spoke to Josh about that because it is important to get the message across, but I always think about the team and at that moment it was important for the team that Josh went out,” Amorim told Sky Sports.
‘You have to think about the team and sometimes also about the player, because he is suffering. I was there a few years ago and I know he wants to [it]because I saw it during the week, and that’s the most important thing.
“He’s a very good boy, so you get the support and you prepare for the next game.
“There are moments, and you have some examples like Harry Maguire, who have difficult moments, but that’s life in any profession.
‘So we will back Josh and carry on because, as I said, Newcastle were a better team. Wasn’t better than Josh, was better than Manchester United.’
Amorim said the decision to remove Zirkzee was due to Man United needing a new midfielder, with Kobbie Mainoo set to help the Red Devils gain a foothold in the match.
Man United boss Ruben Amorim admitted the striker is ‘suffering’ during a difficult period
Zirkzee, seen at the end of the first half, returned to watch the match with the substitutes
Man United’s latest defeat leaves the club languishing in 14th place heading into the new year
Man United could not fight their way back into the match, with first-half goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton condemning Amorim’s side to three consecutive home defeats for the first time in 45 years.
Zirkzee has made 27 appearances in all competitions for Man United since joining from Bologna in the summer, with the Dutchman scoring four goals and providing two assists.
Former Man United captain Gary Neville had expressed his condolences for Zirkzee when the striker was taken off, speaking to Sky Sports.
“I actually feel sorry for him, I really do,” Neville said.
“I know he’s making a lot of money here, but there’s a human being in there who is actually being cheered on by his own fans and that’s cruel.
‘I haven’t seen that very often at Old Trafford in the 43 years I’ve been coming here.’
Man United’s latest defeat has left the club languishing in 14th place heading into the new year, while Amorim’s side are seven points above the relegation zone.