Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker believes Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has “lost all respect” for manager Ruben Amorim following a controversial substitution during United’s 2-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle on Monday.
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Zirkzee was pulled off in the 33rd minute, with Newcastle already two goals up. Amorim made the decision to bolster the midfield as Casemiro and Christian Eriksen struggled to gain control.
Explaining the call, Amorim said, “You have to think about the team and sometimes about the player because he’s suffering.
I’ve seen his dedication during training, but in that moment, both he and the team were struggling. It was tough for me, but the team needed stability, and bringing Kobbie Mainoo on gave us that.”
Jeers erupted from the Old Trafford crowd as Zirkzee exited the pitch, heading straight to the tunnel before eventually returning to the bench.
Gary Neville, a Manchester United legend, expressed sympathy for the striker, who has scored just four goals in 26 appearances since his £35.6m move from Atalanta last summer.
“I feel sorry for him,” Neville admitted. “There’s a human being in there, and to hear your own fans cheer as you’re taken off—that’s brutal. I haven’t seen anything like it in my 43 years at Old Trafford.”
Reo-Coker, however, believes the incident could have long-term consequences for Zirkzee and his relationship with Amorim.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he said, “Moments like this are tough for players. Zirkzee will go through the motions, but deep down, he won’t respect Amorim again.
For him, this will feel like an admission that the manager got it wrong. Amorim now has the challenge of rebuilding trust and getting Zirkzee back onside.”
Manchester United, sitting in 14th place, face an uphill battle as they prepare to visit Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. All eyes will be on how the team, and Zirkzee, respond to this growing crisis.
