Gary Neville feels ‘sad’ for Joshua Zirkzee. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Manchester United put in a dismal first-half display in their Premier League clash with Newcastle which resulted in Joshua Zirkzy receiving a “brutal” reception from the Old Trafford faithful.
Not many fans of the Manchester club were expecting a result against the Magpies heading into Monday night’s game given the form of both sides and their reservations were evident after just four minutes when Alexander Isak put Newcastle ahead.
The Tyneside club would add a second 15 minutes later, but 2-0 didn’t tell the whole story as Howe’s men could easily have gone into the half-time break with at least two more goals.
Man United’s dire display resulted in Ruben Amorim making a tactical change with 33 minutes on the clock, bringing on Kobbie Mainoo to bolster his midfield. Having remained anonymous throughout the opening phase of the competition, Joshua Zirkzee was the man substituted, resulting in the Dutch star receiving a brutal reception from the Old Trafford crowd.
Gary Neville laments Manchester United’s talent
Zirkzee was booed and booed as he left the Old Trafford pitch after his poor performance, a response which Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville described as “brutal”.
“I really feel sorry for him, I really feel sorry for him” the said the former United defender. “I know he’s making a lot of money here, but there’s a man in there. He’s basically being cheered on by his own fans and it’s brutal.
“I haven’t seen that too many times at Old Trafford in the 43 years I’ve been coming here.”
“I feel sorry for him, there is a man in there…” ?
Joshua Zirkzee is replaced by Kobbie Mainoo after half an hour. pic.twitter.com/v9FBAvkK3x
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 30, 2024
Joshua Zirkzee continues to play for Man United
After an impressive 2023/24 campaign with Bologna, Manchester United made the decision to sign the Dutch star during the summer as part of a £36.5m deal with the Italian club.
The European giants are showing an interest in ending Joshua Zirkzee’s Man United nightmare
The forward is not known as a lethal goalscorer, which is why many questioned his arrival in the Manchester team initially.
The 23-year-old has contributed just four goals and two assists in 26 games so far and things are likely to be tougher for the young talent going forward after the reception he received from Manchester United fans on Monday night. .
2024-12-30 21:51:00
