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 hastily put on his jacket and disappeared down the tunnel after the embarrassing moment, only to return and resume his spot on the bench.

According to a Sky Germany reporter stationed inside the Old Trafford tunnel, Zirkzee had “tears in his eyes” following the humiliating ordeal.

In his post-match interview, Sporting manager Rúben Amorim addressed the tough decision, expressing sympathy for Zirkzee and praising the Dutch striker’s character.

“You have to think about the team and the player because he’s suffering,” Amorim told Sky Sports. “I’ve been in that position. I felt the team needed something different, so I had to make a change and bring on another midfielder.

“It was incredibly tough to make that decision. I spoke with Josh afterward because it’s important to convey the right message. He’s a great guy, and while some players react negatively, Josh handled it in a good way.

“We will support Josh and move forward together.”

Meanwhile, Gary Neville criticized the behavior of some Manchester United fans, who turned on the £36 million summer signing after his underwhelming performance.

“I actually feel sorry for Joshua Zirkzee,” Neville said during commentary. “Yes, he’s earning a lot of money, but beneath it all, he’s a human being. Being jeered off by your own fans is brutal. I haven’t seen something like that at Old Trafford in over 40 years.

“It’s a massive embarrassment for him, but I hope some fans down there offer him support. Let’s be clear, he hasn’t played well—none of them have—but he doesn’t deserve that treatment.”

Zirkzee, who signed a five-year contract in the summer, has struggled to adapt, scoring just four goals in 25 appearances across all competitions. His future with the club is already in doubt, with rumors of an early exit circulating.
Joshua Zirkzee’s difficult moment at Old Trafford highlights the intense scrutiny and pressure players face, especially at a club as high-profile as Manchester United. His emotional reaction, coupled with the public criticism from fans, underscores the challenges of adapting to a new team and the weight of expectations that come with a significant transfer fee.

Sporting manager Rúben Amorim’s post-match comments reflect a compassionate approach, emphasizing the importance of supporting Zirkzee during this challenging period. Amorim’s acknowledgment of the situation and efforts to communicate directly with Zirkzee demonstrate a leadership style aimed at maintaining morale and unity within the squad.

Gary Neville’s defense of Zirkzee also brings attention to the role fans play in either supporting or undermining a player’s confidence. His call for understanding reminds fans of the human side of football, urging empathy over harsh judgment.

With Zirkzee’s future already under speculation, this incident could become a turning point. Whether he uses the adversity as motivation to improve or seeks a fresh start elsewhere will likely depend on the support he receives from his manager, teammates, and the club’s fan base. If Manchester United values long-term development, they’ll need to help Zirkzee navigate this tough period constructively.