In yet another discouraging performance, Manchester United faltered in the first half of their Premier League encounter against Newcastle, leading to an exodus of frustration from the home crowd as summer signing Joshua Zirkzee was substituted under the applause from Old Trafford.
Gary Neville was unsparing in his criticism of the Manchester United team, expressing particular sympathy for Zirkzee after a moment he described as ‘absolutely brutal.’
The Red Devils stumbled in a nightmare first half, going 2-0 down following direct headers from Alexander Isak and Joelinton. It could have been worse, as Sandro Tonali hit the post and Isak missed a golden opportunity to add to the scoreline. United manager Ruben Amorim made the decision to replace Zirkzee midway through the first half, only to see that the Dutch striker headed straight towards the tunnel to the applause of fans at his side. exit.
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Reflecting on the incident while commentating on Sky Sports, Neville said: “I actually feel sorry for him. Yes, he’s on a good salary, but at the end of the day he’s human. To be applauded in this way is completely confusing I have attended many matches at Old Trafford over the last 43 years, and it is rare that I see something like this Zirkzee’s departure is totally understandable at times; humiliating. He didn’t feel good. played, let’s not hide our faces we are undoubtedly watching the worst Football team, all categories combined, in the country.
Despite his disappointing dismissal, Zirkzee almost immediately returned to join his teammates on the bench. Neville continued to press the situation, suggesting: “I wouldn’t be surprised if someone told him to come back. I doubt he went in to have a Lucozade. It was a difficult time for him, without no doubt.”
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Zirkzee’s harsh substitution marks another difficult chapter in what has been a tumultuous few months for Manchester United. Acquired for £37million from Bologna, the striker initially made a promising impact, scoring a decisive goal on his debut against Fulham. However, he has only managed to score three more goals in all competitions since.
Amid growing speculation, it has been suggested that United could consider offloading Zirkzee after such a short spell. Reports indicate that Italian giants Juventus are considering a loan offer for the striker, who has four and a half years left on his contract.
The negative feeling was palpable, not only for Zirkzee but for the whole team, as the Red Devils left the pitch at half-time to the whistles of the supporters, trailing 2-0 to Newcastle.
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