Manchester United legend Wes Brown has come out in defense of Joshua Zirkzee after the striker was jeered by the club’s supporters during a Premier League defeat to Newcastle United.
Zirkzee, who joined United for £36.5 million from Bologna last summer, has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford, and his recent performance led to an early substitution in the match.
With United trailing by two goals, manager Ruben Amorim made the decision to take Zirkzee off after just 33 minutes. As the Netherlands international made his way off the pitch, he was met with boos from the crowd—a reaction that shocked Brown, who has never seen such a response during his time at the club.
“Seeing and hearing Joshua Zirkzee get booed was horrible,” said Brown. “Manchester United fans shouldn’t be doing it. He is a Manchester United player, and although things weren’t working out on the pitch, it was down to the whole team.”
Brown stressed that no player should be booed for being substituted, especially not when the decision was based on the team’s overall performance.
Brown’s comments reflect growing frustration over the treatment of players at a time when United is facing challenges on the pitch. Zirkzee, who is reportedly considering a move away from the club after a difficult spell, has attracted interest from Juventus, with the Serie A club reportedly looking to use Dusan Vlahovic as part of a potential deal.
Despite the turmoil surrounding Zirkzee’s future, manager Amorim has expressed a desire to keep the striker at the club, acknowledging his effort in training. However, with the January transfer window open, it remains to be seen whether Zirkzee will stay or move on.
As Manchester United continues to navigate a rocky season, Brown’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting players, particularly during tough moments
