BREAKING NEWS: “What the fans did was not good but this was the reason I subbed him off. He has to go. I even cried and left the pitch. But I have to tell him the reason I did what I did”-Ruben Amorim breaks silence on brutal Joshua Zirkzee substitution which left Man Utd star with ‘tears in his eyes’

Zirkzee hurriedly slipped on his jacket and disappeared down the tunnel following the humiliating incident, only to return moments later and take his place back on the bench.

According to a Sky Germany reporter stationed inside the Old Trafford tunnel, Zirkzee was visibly emotional, with “tears in his eyes” after the difficult ordeal.

In his post-match interview, Sporting manager Rúben Amorim reflected on the decision, showing compassion for Zirkzee while also commending the Dutch striker’s character.

“You have to consider both the team and the player because he’s going through a tough moment,” Amorim told Sky Sports. “I’ve been in that situation before. I felt the team needed a change, so I had to make the call to bring on another midfielder.

“It was an incredibly difficult decision to make. I spoke to Josh afterward to ensure he understood the reasoning and to offer support. He’s a fantastic person, and while some players might react poorly, Josh took it well.

“We’ll stand by Josh and move forward as a team.”

Meanwhile, Gary Neville criticized sections of the Manchester United fan base for turning on the £36 million summer signing after his below-par performance.

“I actually feel sorry for Joshua Zirkzee,” Neville said during commentary. “Yes, he’s well-paid, but at the end of the day, he’s still a human being. To be jeered off by your own fans is harsh. I haven’t witnessed anything like that at Old Trafford in over four decades.

“It’s undoubtedly an embarrassing moment for him, but I hope some fans down there offer him some support. Let’s be honest—he hasn’t performed well, but neither has the rest of the team. That doesn’t justify such treatment.”

Zirkzee, who joined the club on a five-year deal during the summer transfer window, has struggled to find his rhythm, managing just four goals in 25 appearances across all competitions. His future at the club is already under scrutiny, with whispers of an early departure beginning to circulate.

The incident underscores the immense pressure and scrutiny faced by players, especially at a club of Manchester United’s stature. Zirkzee’s visible distress and the criticism from fans highlight the challenges of adapting to a new environment and the expectations tied to a high-profile transfer.

Manager Rúben Amorim’s empathetic remarks emphasize the importance of providing support during such moments. His direct communication with Zirkzee demonstrates a leadership style focused on fostering unity and morale within the squad.

Gary Neville’s defense of Zirkzee sheds light on the significant role fans play in shaping a player’s confidence. By calling for empathy, Neville reminds fans of the human element in football and urges them to offer support rather than condemnation.

With speculation about Zirkzee’s future growing, this episode could prove pivotal. Whether he uses this setback as fuel for improvement or opts for a new chapter elsewhere will largely depend on the backing he receives from his manager, teammates, and the club’s supporters. If Manchester United prioritizes long-term development, they must guide Zirkzee through this challenging period with care.