Fans spot what Joshua Zirkzee did after storming down tunnel following brutal first half substitution from Ruben Amorim

Fans picked up on what Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee did after storming down the tunnel when brutally substituted just 32 minutes into the game against Newcastle.

United were looking to end a wretched 2024 with a victory at Old Trafford but found themselves 2-0 down after 20 minutes, with both Alexander Isak and Joelinton finding the net for the visitors.

The Red Devils were completely outplayed by the Magpies and after being destroyed for 30 minutes, Ruben Amorim made a decision to make an early change.

Kobbie Mainoo got changed into his kit and warmed up on the touchline before it was announced that he would be replacing Zirkzee, who had lined up on the left.

The summer signing's withdrawal was met with sarcastic cheers and after a brief handshake with Amorim, the dejected Dutchman grabbed his coat and jogged down the tunnel.

A few minutes later and with the game continuing, the former Bayern Munich man did return to take his place on the bench.

Joshua Zirkzee returned after storming down the tunnel. Image: Viaplay

Having slammed the fans' reaction to Zirkzee going off on commentary for Sky Sports, former United skipper Gary Neville suggested that Zirkzee had been told by a member of staff to get back to the dugout - finding it hard to believe he had merely ran down the tunnel "for a lucozade".

Neville expresses sympathy for Zirkzee

Zirkzee has struggled since signing for United in a £36.5 million switch from Bologna, scoring just four goals in 25 appearances in all competitions. United supporters quickly ran out of patience with him after a series of frustrating displays but Neville did not like seeing what happened to him.

"I actually feel sorry for Joshua Zirkzee," Neville said on Sky Sports.

"I know he's earning a lot of money but there is a human being in there that's basically been cheered off by his own fans. That is brutal. I've not seen that too many times in the 43 years I've been coming here."

Not long after Zirkzee returned, Marcus Rashford received a warm applause when he began warming up.

The England international was brought back into the matchday squad by Amorim after being left out of the last four fixtures.