Manchester United fans dropped their powerful verdicts on Joshua Zirkzee after the 1-0 Premier League scoreline against Newcastle at Old Trafford on Friday evening.
The Red Devils played their penultimate match of 2025 at home and Manchester United took the lead over Newcastle in the first half through defender Patrick Dorgu.
Patrick Dorgu’s stunning volley ensured United took a 1-0 advantage into half-time over Newcastle after a strong first-half showing from the Red Devils at Old Trafford.
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United were placed on the back foot after Newcastle chased an equaliser after the break, but the Red Devils were able to clinch a 1-0 win at the full-time whistle.
Benjamin Sesko started the Premier League match for United against Newcastle and the 22-year-old Slovenian striker was subbed off in the second half of the tie.
Ruben Amorim turned to Joshua Zirkzee as a replacement for Benjamin Sesko and the 24-year-old Dutch forward’s performance had United fans talking a lot.
Man Utd fans react to Joshua Zirkzee after what the striker did in the 1-0 Premier League win against Newcastle
Following Manchester United’s 1-0 result on Boxing Day, Red Devils supporters were baffled by Ruben Amorim bringing Joshua Zirkzee on and taking Benjamin Sesko off.
One United fan argued: “I’m baffled by the Zirkzee substitution. He doesn’t work hard, can’t hold the ball up and has zero pace to get in behind.”
Somebody else pointed out: “Contrast between Sesko and Zirkzee is striking. Sesko is always hungry to get forward, looking to get a shot off; Zirkzee just ambles aimlessly about the pitch, no drive whatsoever.”
“Sesko should have stayed on. Zirkzee has been so bad so far,” a third Red Devils supporter said.
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Another X user posted: “Sesko should never have to come off for Zirkzee ever again, man. Poor in-game management.”
“Zirkzee has been horrid, Sesko should’ve stayed on,” someone else tweeted.
While a sixth commented: “Yet to see Zirkzee win a challenge. Why did he take Sesko off???”
“Yeah, Zirkzee for Sesko isn’t working out,” another added.
An eighth wrote: “Would have been better off keeping Sesko on instead of taking him off for Zirkzee.”
Joshua Zirkzee’s second-half performance left much to be desired after offering little for Man Utd
Zirkzee failed to seize the opportunity with his appearance in the second half, with the Dutchman offering very little amid Newcastle’s intense pressure at Old Trafford.
The Netherlands international has been linked with an exit from the club in the forthcoming January window and Friday evening’s performance showed exactly why.
Zirkzee has been playing second fiddle to United summer signing Sesko and the out-of-favour Red Devils striker did not do enough to convince supporters on the night.
Following the Boxing Day result against Newcastle, United will now play their final Premier League match of 2025 at Old Trafford against Wolves next Tuesday.
The Red Devils and Wolves’ Premier League encounter is slated for an 8:15pm kick-off time in the UK.
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