‘You saw how it blew up’… Joshua Zirkzee praised for avoiding Cristiano Ronaldo mistake

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee was left reeling after being substituted 32 minutes into the game against Newcastle.

Joshua Zirkzee will hope there is no lower point than his brief performance for Manchester United against Newcastle.

Ruben Amorim said he was trying to protect Zirkzee, yet the head coach‘s decision ended up shining an intense spotlight onto the Dutchman.

In the moment, it was the right call. Manchester United instantly improved after Kobbie Mainoo was sent on – while Zirkzee trudged off down the tunnel.

Zirkzee praised for coming back out

Joshua Zirkzee appeared close to tears when he was substituted and you can’t really blame him. He went off down the tunnel, rather that sit back with the rest of the substitutes.

Manchester United have seen in the past how this can become a big controversy – with Cristiano Ronaldo storming off down the tunnel under Erik ten Hag after he declined to bring him on.

Ronaldo did not re-emerge back onto the Old Trafford touchline. Joshua Zirkzee did, and his countryman Mario Melchiot is relieved he did.

Zirkzee was back in the stands within minutes, watching the rest of the game, and even applauded the United fans at full-time.

Melchiot told ESPN FC: “He is not Ronaldo’s level – but you saw how it blew up when he walked into the dressing room and never came back, I was so happy that he came back.”

Melchiot unconvinced over Zirkzee

Former Chelsea defender Melchiot admits he is unconvinced over Zirkzee, and whether he will succeed at Manchester United.

“For Zirkzee its a big step coming to a big club,” he began, before adding that even in the Netherlands, debate continues over where his best position actually is.

“For him now, you are going to be judged on goals, even in Holland people are asking what position is key for him, striker? He’s scored three goals.”

Zirkzee was trying out a new role behind the striker against Newcastle – but it wasn’t working. Bruno Fernandes is back from suspension against Liverpool, and it is most likely the Dutchman returns to the bench.