Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee reportedly broke down in tears in the tunnel after being substituted in the first half of their Premier League clash against Newcastle.
Zirkzee was sacrificed by Man United manager Ruben Amorim after the Red Devils lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle at Old Trafford on Monday night.
The £36.5million summer signing was called off 33 minutes into the match, with a roar from the home fans as the Dutchman was taken off.
Once on the bench, Zirkzee picked up his coat and quickly walked down the sideline before heading toward the tunnel.
According to Bein Sports and Sky Germany, Zirkzee had been seen tearful in the tunnel after being dismissed and booed by Man United fans.
Zirkzee would eventually return to the Man United bench a few minutes later with a bottle of water in hand.
Joshua Zirkzee reportedly broke down in tears after being booed in the first half.
The Man United striker was substituted in the 33rd minute of the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle.
Zirkzee walked down the sideline and into the tunnel after being sent off in the
After the match, Amorim admitted that Zirkzee is “suffering” as he endures a difficult debut season since moving to the Premier League, adding that the early switch had been a “very, very difficult” decision for him.
The Man United manager highlighted that Zirkzee remains an important player for the club and cited Harry Maguire as an example of a star overcoming a difficult period at the club.
“I spoke to Josh about it, because it's important to get the message across, but I'm always thinking about the team and, at that time, it was important for the team that Josh came out,” Amorim told Sky Sports.
“You have to think about the team and also, sometimes, about the player, because the player is suffering. I was there a few years ago and I know that he loves it, because I saw him during the week, and that is the most important thing.
“He is a very good boy, so you will have the support and prepare for the next game.”
“There are some moments, and you have some examples like Harry Maguire, who have some difficult moments, but that's life in every profession.
“So we will support Josh and carry on because, like I said, Newcastle were a better team.” It wasn't better than Josh, it was better than Manchester United.
Amorim said the decision to remove Zirkzee was because Man United needed another midfielder, and Kobbie Mainoo came in to help the Red Devils gain a foothold in the game.
Manchester United coach Rubén Amorim admitted that the striker is “suffering” at a difficult time
Zirkzee, seen at the end of the first half, returned to watch the game with the substitutes
Man United's latest defeat leaves club languishing in 14th place heading into the New Year
Man United were unable to come back in the match, with first-half goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton condemning Amorim's team to three consecutive home defeats for the first time in 45 years.
Zirkzee has made 27 appearances in all competitions for Man United since arriving from Bologna in the summer, with the Dutchman scoring four goals and providing two assists.
Former Man United captain Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, expressed his sympathy for Zirkzee as the striker was sent off.
“I actually feel sorry for him, I really do,” Neville said.
“I know he's making a lot of money here, but there's a human being there who's basically being cheered on by his own fans and that's brutal.
“I haven't seen that many times at Old Trafford in the 43 years I've been coming here.”
Man United's latest defeat has left the club languishing in 14th place heading into the New Year, with Amorim's side seven points above the relegation zone.