“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’
Joshua Zirkzee faced a tough moment at Old Trafford when he hurriedly left for the tunnel after a difficult substitution, only to return and sit back on the bench. Reports from Sky Germany suggested the young striker appeared visibly emotional, with “tears in his eyes” following the incident.
In a post-match interview, Sporting manager Rúben Amorim addressed the decision, expressing his empathy for Zirkzee while highlighting the necessity of the change. “You have to think about both the team and the player, especially when they’re going through a tough time,” Amorim told Sky Sports. “I’ve been in that position before. The team needed a different dynamic, which meant making a hard choice to bring on another midfielder.”
Amorim further emphasized the importance of supporting Zirkzee. “It was a tough call, but I made sure to speak with Josh afterward. He’s a good person, and while some players might react poorly, Josh handled it maturely. We’ll stand by him and move forward together.”
However, criticism from Manchester United fans added to the striker’s struggles. Gary Neville, commenting during the match, condemned the hostile reaction Zirkzee received from supporters. “I genuinely feel bad for Joshua Zirkzee,” Neville said. “Yes, he’s well-paid, but at the end of the day, he’s a human being. Being booed off by your own fans is harsh, especially here at Old Trafford—it’s something I haven’t seen in decades.”
Neville called for greater compassion, noting, “It’s a humiliating moment for him, but some fans need to show support. He didn’t perform well, but none of the players did. He doesn’t deserve that level of backlash.”
Zirkzee, who joined Manchester United on a five-year deal for £36 million over the summer, has struggled to make an impact. With just four goals in 25 appearances, his future at the club is uncertain, sparking rumors of an early departure.
This episode highlights the immense pressure players face at elite clubs, where performances are constantly scrutinized, and expectations weigh heavily. Zirkzee’s emotional response underscores the personal toll such challenges can take, especially for a young player adapting to a new environment.
Amorim’s compassionate leadership and direct communication with Zirkzee demonstrate the importance of fostering unity and morale during tough times. Similarly, Neville’s defense serves as a reminder of the responsibility fans have in shaping a player’s confidence.
As speculation about Zirkzee’s future mounts, this incident could mark a turning point in his career. Whether he rises to the challenge or seeks opportunities elsewhere may depend on the support he receives from his manager, teammates, and fans. For Manchester United, investing in his development during this challenging period could prove vital for both the playe
r and the team.
