BREAKING NEWS: “Manchester United have the best squad in the League but only this two players are their problem”, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has named TWO players who are the reason for Man United’s poor form, advised Ruben Amorim to remove them immediately.
Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee endured a nightmarish scenario on Monday night, but Marcus Rashford didn’t fare much better on his return to Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim fielded Zirkzee in the starting lineup against Newcastle United, playing him behind Rasmus Hojlund in the position usually occupied by suspended club captain Bruno Fernandes.
However, the Dutchman failed to leave his mark in the first 33 minutes of the match while his team was utterly dominated by the hosts who ran wild inside the Red Devils’ area, scoring two goals in the process and threatening to add more.
Therefore, Amorim decided to act swiftly and decisively by replacing the former Bologna star with Kobbie Mainoo who added more substance to the middle of the park and restored balance in the process – albeit the result remained intact.
Marcus Rashord received boos and jeers on Old Trafford return
Sadly for Zirkzee, he was cheered off the pitch by his own supporters who were happy to see the back of the underwhelming striker. Overwhelmed by emotions, the player decided to head straight to the locker room before returning after a few minutes to take a seat alongside his teammates on the bench.
But according to the Mirror, Rashford was also treated to a harsh welcome on his return to the squad.
The 27-year-old has been dominating the headlines over the past few weeks after being omitted from the matchday squad on four occasions in a row which prompted him to voice his desire to embark on a new adventure. This stance wasn’t appreciated by a section of the Reds, as evidenced by the boos and jeers directed towards the striker by a section of the supporters at Old Trafford.
Rashford remained on the bench for the duration of the match, which proves that his status at the club remains dire, to say the least.
It seems like Manchester United faced a turbulent evening at Old Trafford against Newcastle United, highlighting some key challenges within the squad. Here’s a breakdown:
### **Joshua Zirkzee’s Struggles**
– Ruben Amorim gave Zirkzee a chance to shine by positioning him behind Rasmus Højlund, a role usually reserved for Bruno Fernandes.
– Unfortunately, Zirkzee failed to impact the game during his 33 minutes on the pitch, with Newcastle dominating the early exchanges and scoring twice.
– His substitution for Kobbie Mainoo marked an early tactical adjustment that stabilized the midfield but didn’t change the scoreline.
– The crowd’s reaction, cheering Zirkzee’s substitution, reflects the frustration of fans, further complicating his integration into the squad.
### **Marcus Rashford’s Tense Return**
– Rashford’s reception by the fans was notably hostile, indicating discontent over his recent form and desire to leave the club.
– Having been left out of four consecutive matchday squads, Rashford’s benching in this match underscores his uncertain status at United.
– The boos and jeers highlight a growing divide between Rashford and sections of the fanbase, adding pressure to his situation.
### **Implications for United**
1. **Zirkzee’s Confidence:** This setback could dent Zirkzee’s confidence, raising questions about his readiness for such high-stakes matches.
2. **Rashford’s Future:** The ongoing tension between Rashford and the club suggests a potential departure may be on the horizon unless relations improve.
3. **Amorim’s Tactical Choices:** The early substitution reflects Amorim’s decisive approach but also exposes the squad’s depth issues, especially in the absence of key players like Bruno Fernandes.
### **Next Steps**
– **For Zirkzee:** He may need time and less intense match scenarios to adjust and showcase his abilities.
– **For Rashford:** Resolving his future swiftly would benefit both him and the club, whether that means reconciliation or a transfer.
– **For Amorim and United:** Strengthening the squad and addressing internal dynamics will be crucial to maintaining competitiveness and morale.
How the club handles these situations in the coming weeks will be pivotal for the season.