He left the place crying
Coach explains the tragic substitution of the ex-Bayern star
Updated 12/31/2024 – 1:01 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Manchester United continues to stagger through the bottom third of the Premier League table after their fourth defeat in a row. One scene caused a stir.
There were bitter scenes on Monday evening that took place at the venerable Old Traffor. Manchester United were 2-0 down against Newcastle United after just 33 minutes (also the final score) when former Bayern player Joshua Zirkzee had to leave the pitch. The Dutch striker was replaced by coach Rúben Amorim – a so-called pawn sacrifice of a seriously weakening team.
Zirkzee, who only moved to the “Red Devils” in the summer for 42.5 million euros, took the whole thing very to heart. He had to leave the pitch amid boos, immediately put on a jacket and then fled straight into the dressing room. Sky reporter Raphael Honigstein reported that the young Dutchman had to be taken out of the cabin crying (read more about this here).
Rúben Amorim later explained on Sky Sports: “You have to think about the team. Sometimes also about the player, because the player suffered during the game. We needed another midfielder. It was hard for me to do that.” He spoke to “Josh” about the whole situation.
“I spoke to him about it because it’s important to express the message, but I always think about the team and at that moment it was important for the team that Josh went out,” Amorim said. “He’s a really good boy, he’ll get all the support and then prepare for the next game.”
For the first time, three home defeats in a row in the league since 1979, 14th place in the table, just seven points clear of a relegation zone – Manchester United is currently only a shadow of successful times. There is a risk of falling into sporting insignificance. Amorim clearly stated that it was “very clear” that his team was in a relegation battle. It is important to “address the threatening situation honestly” and “recognize” your own position. From now on, his club’s only concern is to “survive”.
Amorim only moved to the island in mid-November as Erik ten Hag’s successor; he was supposed to ensure that the “Red Devils” finally spread fear and terror again. But a month and a half later, there is virtually nothing left of this hope; the 39-year-old is faced with an even bigger pile of broken pieces than at the beginning of his term in office.
This is how it continues for United: First on Sunday they go to the elusive league leaders and big rivals Liverpool FC, eleven days later the duel with the bottom team FC Southampton awaits. Then, at the latest, United and Amorim should wake up from the nightmare.