Man Utd player 'in tears' after woeful display in crushing Newcastle loss

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee was "reduced to tears" in the tunnel following the Red Devils' 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

Rúben Amorim’s side suffered their fourth consecutive loss across all competitions, with first-half goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton securing the points for Eddie Howe’s team.

The defeat left United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, just seven points above the relegation zone.

Zirkzee, a £36.5 million summer signing from Serie A club Bologna, has struggled to make an impact since arriving at Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old has managed just four goals and two assists in 27 appearances this season. Against Newcastle, he was substituted after just 33 minutes, a decision that reportedly left him visibly upset.

According to reports from beIN Sports and Sky Germany, Zirkzee appeared with tears in his eyes in the tunnel after being substituted.

The reaction was compounded by United fans cheering his removal, a moment described as "brutal" by former United defender Gary Neville.

United manager Amorim addressed the situation, expressing support for Zirkzee and acknowledging the emotional toll on the player.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Amorim said: “I talked with Josh about that because it’s important to express the message, but I’m always thinking about the team, and, in that moment, it was important for the team for Josh to go out.

"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 wants [it], because I saw it during the week, and that’s the most important thing.

“He’s a really good lad, so you’ll have the support, and you will prepare for the next game.

“It’s some moments, and you have some examples like Harry Maguire, that have some tough moments, but that is life in every profession.

"So we will support Josh and continue because, like I said, Newcastle were a better team. Was not better than Josh, was better than Manchester United.”

Neville also expressed sympathy for Zirkzee, highlighting the psychological challenges of such moments.

On Sky Sports, Neville remarked:“I actually feel sorry for him, I really do. I know that he’s earning a lot of money here, but there is a human being in there that’s basically being cheered off by his own fans, and that is brutal.”

Zirkzee’s struggles mirror broader challenges for United this season, with the team facing mounting pressure as they look to arrest their slide and rekindle some form of success.