Ruben Amorim has explained why he substituted Joshua Zirkzee in brutal fashion after 32 minutes against Newcastle United.
United suffered a record-equalling sixth loss in a calendar month after Newcastle continued their fine form with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford. The Magpies outplayed United for large spells and were 2-0 up after 20 minutes courtesy of goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton.
And in fear of it getting even worse for United, Amorim decided to take off Zirkzee, who had been deployed on the left in a front three. The former Bayern Munich man was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo and his exit was met by sarcastic home cheers which irked former United skipper Gary Neville on commentary.
Zirkzee put on his jacket and scurried down the tunnel after the embarrassing moment before returning and taking his place back on the bench.
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According to a Sky Germany reporter inside the Old Trafford tunnel, Zirkzee had "tears in his eyes" after the humiliating ordeal.
Amorim was asked about the tough decision in his post-match interview, expressing sympathy with Zirkzee and praising the Dutchman's character.
"You have to think about the team and also the player because the player is suffering," Amorim told Sky Sports.
"I've been there. I felt the team was suffering and needed another midfielder.
"It was really tough on me to do that and I spoke with Josh because it is really important to express the message
"It's important to know the players and I know that Josh is a really good guy. When he went to the tunnel, I can understand there are some guys in a bad way - he is in a good way because he is a good guy.
"We will support Josh and continue."
Neville slams fan behaviour
United supporters quickly ran out of patience with £36 million signing Zirkzee after struggling to adapt to the game in England but Neville did not like seeing what happened to him.
"I actually feel sorry for Joshua Zirkzee," Neville said on commentary.
"I know that 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.
"That is brutal. I've not seen that too many times at Old Trafford in the 43 years I've been coming here.
"He’s had enough and I actually don’t blame him, [it's] a massive embarrassment.
"I hope some of the fans down there give him a little something. He hasn’t played well let’s be clear, they’ve all been absolutely awful."
Zirkzee penned a five-year contract in the summer but has been heavily linked with an early departure after scoring just four goals in 25 appearances in all competitions.
Topics: Joshua Zirkzee, Manchester United, Ruben Amorim
Josh Lawless