- Bruno Fernandes condemned United fans for treatment of Zirkzee
- Zirkzee was greeted with loud boos from sections of the public against Newcastle
- LISTEN NOW: It’s all starting! New line-up, some new faces, but optimism has faded at Old Trafford
Bruno Fernandes openly condemned Manchester United fans for their harsh treatment of teammate Joshua Zirkzee during the clash against Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee was greeted with loud boos from sections of the crowd, and his substitution in the 33rd minute was met with sarcastic cheers.
The striker headed straight towards the tunnel before returning to the bench, with the sun suggesting that he was visibly emotional, even tearful, after the incident.
Fernandes expressed his frustration at the treatment of Zirkzee and highlighted the 23-year-old’s unwavering commitment to the team since arriving from Bologna.
The United captain emphasized the challenges faced by players transitioning from different leagues, noting that newcomers like Zirkzee need time to adapt and find their footing.
Fernandes concluded by reaffirming his confidence in Zirkzee, praising the striker’s immense talent and ensuring that the team fully believes in his potential.
Bruno Fernandes openly condemned Manchester United fans for their harsh treatment of teammate Joshua Zirkzee during the clash against Newcastle at Old Trafford.
The striker headed straight towards the tunnel before returning to the bench, and The Sun suggested he was visibly emotional, even tearful, after the incident.
Speaking to TalkSport after the Newcastle game, Fernandes said: “I was in the stands and I’d never seen anything like it.
Fernandes added: “It really frustrates and bothers me because he is a player who always gives everything.”
“As a player who comes to the team from a different league, he needs time to adapt, but he has enormous qualities.”
“He has not shown all his quality, but it cannot be that from the first game of the season everyone promoted him as one of the best forwards and now they no longer believe in him.
“We believe in him in the dressing room. I would prefer to be in this position myself against Newcastle and not see any of my teammates in that position.”
United had endured a miserable opening to the game and found themselves two goals down in the opening 20 minutes after headers from Alexander Isak and Joelinton.
Ruben Amorim decided he had seen enough and opted to replace Zirkzee with Kobbie Mainoo with almost 15 minutes left in the first half.
As he began to run off the field, there was a roar from the home fans who were clearly happy to see Zirkzee break through.
The United captain emphasized the challenges faced by players transitioning from different leagues, noting that newcomers like Zirkzee need time to adapt and find their footing.
Gary Neville admitted that he felt sorry for Zirkzee after his own fans mocked him.
Neville went on to claim that United are the “pound for pound worst team in the country”.
The fan reaction led co-commentator and former United player Gary Neville to express some sympathy for Zirkzee.
“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.”
Once on the bench, Zirkzee picked up his coat and quickly walked down the sideline before heading toward the tunnel.
Neville continued: ‘He’s had enough and I don’t really blame him. (It’s) a huge shame, I hope some of the fans there give him something. “He hasn’t played well, let’s be clear, everyone has been absolutely horrible.”
A few minutes later, Zirkzee returned to the dugout with a bottle of water in hand as he rejoined United’s substitutes for the night.
Neville would go on to claim that United were “the worst pound-for-pound team in the country” as he watched his former club get completely outclassed by Newcastle on their own turf.