Manchester United endured a disastrous start against Newcastle, finding themselves trailing by two goals within the first half hour.
Headers from Alexander Isak and Joelinton left United on the back foot, creating a frustrating atmosphere for both the team and fans at Old Trafford.
Early Substitution Draws Boos from Fans
Amid the chaos, manager Ruben Amorim made the bold decision to substitute summer signing Joshua Zirkzee before the first half ended.
With 15 minutes still to play in the half, Zirkzee was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.
As the striker jogged off the pitch, loud cheers erupted—not in support, but as a clear indication of the fans’ dissatisfaction.
Neville Sympathizes with Zirkzee
Former United player and commentator Gary Neville was quick to express empathy for Zirkzee.
“I actually feel sorry for him,” Neville remarked.
“There’s a human being in there who’s being jeered off by his own fans—it’s brutal.
” Neville noted the rarity of such a reaction at Old Trafford, highlighting the immense pressure on Zirkzee in his early days with the club.
A Tough Moment for Zirkzee
After leaving the pitch, Zirkzee headed down the tunnel, visibly disheartened.
Although he eventually returned to the bench with a water bottle in hand, the incident underscored the challenges he’s faced adapting to life at United.
Neville’s Harsh Assessment of United
Gary Neville didn’t hold back his criticism of the team, labeling them the “worst pound-for-pound team in the country” during the live broadcast.
Reflecting on United’s summer signings—including Zirkzee, Ugarte, and De Ligt—Neville voiced his disappointment, noting how promising players seemed to falter after joining the club.
A Pattern of Struggles for New Signings
Neville went on to describe Old Trafford as a “graveyard for players with decent reputations,” lamenting how even highly regarded signings appear to regress after arriving.
He questioned why talented players struggle to adapt, emphasizing the need for the club to identify and address the underlying issues.
The Road Ahead for Zirkzee and United
Zirkzee’s substitution has fueled debates about Manchester United’s recruitment strategy and their ability to integrate new talent.
For the young striker, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the high expectations and scrutiny that come with wearing a United shirt.
Whether Zirkzee can overcome this challenging start and prove his worth remains to be seen, but for now, both he and the club face mounting pressure to turn things around.