Gary Neville stunned by what Man United fans did to Joshua Zirkzee – ‘massive’
Joshua Zirkzee was given a brutal reception after being substituted for Man United against Newcastle in a moment that left Gary Neville stunned.
Having joined from Bologna in the summer, the attacker has endured a tough start to life at Old Trafford, and there has already been speculation about a swift departure for the Dutchman.
After the shock of their 2-0 defeat at Wolves last time out, Ruben Amorim’s side endured more misery against Newcastle on Monday (30 December) going 2-0 down inside half an hour.
It led to a horrible moment for Zirkzee, with the Man United man being substituted after just 33 minutes to audible cheers from a considerable number of home, after barely being involved in the game.
Providing co-commentary on the game for Sky Sports, Neville was left stunned by the incident, saying (8:33pm): “I actually feel sorry for him I really do. I know he’s earning a lot of money, but there’s a human being in there that’s basically being cheered off by his own fans, and it’s brutal.
“I’ve not seen that too many times at Old Trafford in the 43 years I’ve been coming here, if at all actually.”
After Zirkzee then headed down the tunnel, the former Red Devils defender added: “He’s had enough and I actually don’t blame. It’s a massive embarrassment, I hope that some of the fans down there actually give him a little something.
“He’s not played well but to be fair they’ve all been absolutely awful. You are watching the worst pound for pound football team in the country bar none out there in red shirts.”
Joshua Zirkzee had a horrible moment for Man United against Newcastle
Football Insider Opinion
It is hard not to feel a fair amount of sympathy for Zirkzee in the wake of a moment such as this against the Magpies.
The striker was given a huge opportunity when he moved to a club such as Man United in the summer and you can’t blame him for taking that chance.
While there is no denying he has not been good enough for the Red Devils so far, there surely have to be some question marks for those in charge of the club for picking him for that role.
Of course it is also worth noting that at 23-years-old the Dutchman is still at a relatively early stage of his career.
After such an embarrassing and humiliating moment as this in front of so many, the task of making his way back at Man United has already got even harder for Zirkzee.
But as suggested by Neville there aren’t many members of Ruben Amorim’s side who might have avoided the same treatment had they been taken off at that point, with the striker the unfortunate fall-guy.
In other news, Man United are set to sack a behind-the-scenes figure.
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