In a surprising turn of events at Old Trafford, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has openly criticized forward Joshua Zirkzee following the team’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle United. Amorim expressed his dissatisfaction with Zirkzee’s performance, particularly noting his lack of confidence. The manager suggested that Zirkzee should consider finding a new club, saying, “It’s a bit disappointing; he doesn’t seem confident, and I can’t work with a player like that. He should find a new club.”
During the match, Manchester United conceded two early goals, with Alexander Isak and Joelinton scoring for Newcastle within the first 20 minutes. Zirkzee, playing as an attacking midfielder behind Rasmus Hojlund, struggled to make an impact, completing just 12 accurate passes, which highlighted his lack of creativity and effectiveness. In the 33rd minute, Amorim substituted Zirkzee, a move that was greeted with cheers from the home crowd, reflecting their frustration with his performance.
Amorim’s public criticism has shocked Manchester United fans, who are now questioning how Zirkzee’s performance has deteriorated so quickly, especially considering the club spent £36.5 million to sign him from Bologna in July 2024. Zirkzee had shown promise initially, scoring the winning goal on his debut against Fulham, but his form has since declined, with only three goals in 18 Premier League appearances.
This situation has also raised concerns about the team’s morale and cohesion. Amorim’s frank remarks about Zirkzee’s confidence and his suggestion that the player seek a new club may signal deeper issues within the squad. Public criticism of this nature is rare and could have an impact on the atmosphere in the dressing room, further destabilizing the team during a period of four consecutive defeats.
Football analysts and former players have weighed in on the incident. Gary Neville, a former Manchester United defender, called the situation “brutal,” expressing sympathy for Zirkzee while acknowledging the frustration of the fans. Neville pointed out that he had never witnessed such a reaction at Old Trafford in his 43 years of attending matches, highlighting the gravity of the current crisis.
With the January transfer window approaching, speculation is growing about Zirkzee’s future at Manchester United. His confidence and form are at a low point, and with Amorim’s open suggestion for him to leave, it remains uncertain whether Zirkzee will seek a move to rejuvenate his career. For Manchester United, this situation adds to the growing list of challenges in a season already marked by poor performances and disappointing results.
The club’s supporters are left in disbelief, struggling to comprehend the rapid decline of a player who once showed considerable promise. The coming weeks will be critical in determining both Zirkzee’s future and Manchester United’s ability to overcome the internal and external challenges they are currently facing.
