Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim admitted it was “difficult” to replace Joshua Zirkzee in the first half of the Premier League defeat by Newcastle United on Monday night, but insisted it was for the good of the team.
Zirkzee started the game as a replacement for suspended captain Bruno Fernandes, but lasted just over half an hour. The Dutchman did not play well, but there were sharp cheers from the stands when he left, heading straight down the tunnel.
Zirkzee, who struggled for consistent form ua United jersey of the £35million summer move from Bologna, those who saw him there said he had tears in his eyes when he reached the tunnel, before being persuaded to rejoin his team-mates on the bench.
“You have to think about it,” Amorim mused afterward, explaining that it was partly because overshooting midfield during the early part of the game when Newcastle scored two goals.
“A player suffers during the game. We needed another midfielder. It was difficult for me to do it, I spoke to Joshua about it. I always think about the team. At that moment it was important that he came out.”
Amorim expressed his belief that there will be no permanent damage to Zirkzee’s confidence or status at the club, also stressing that he is not letting the 23-year-old down.
“I know Josh is a really good lad. When he went down the tunnel I can understand some lads can be in a bad way but he’s a really good lad. That’s life and we’ll support Josh and carry on. Newcastle were better than Manchester United, they were no better than Josh.”
United, having lost four games in a row in all competitions – and six of their last eight – will not be given a break with Premier League leaders Liverpool next up.
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