Rio Ferdinand says he is ‘really gutted’ for Manchester United star after Newcastle defeat
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Rio Ferdinand says he is ‘really gutted’ for Joshua Zirkzee after the forward’s first-half substitution against Newcastle and hopes Manchester United’s senior players offer their team-mate the support he needs. Zirkzee arrived at Old Trafford with weighty expectations on his shoulders on the back of a £36.5million move from Bologna in the summer transfer window.
![[Manchester United FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2191928900.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
But the 23-year-old attacker has largely flattered to deceive in the intervening months, managing a total of just three goals in all competitions since his dream cameo on debut against Fulham. Ruben Amorim singled Zirkzee out for criticism after his opening match in charge against Ipswich last month and the Dutchman is still some way from winning over his manager with his performances.
![[Manchester United FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2191208859_768ada.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
On Tuesday night, Zirkzee’s difficult start hit a new low, with Amorim hauling the Netherlands international off just 33 minutes into the Red Devils’ 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle. Loud boos and jeers could be heard around the Theatre of Dreams as a despondent Zirkzee walked off the field to be replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.
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On his decision to haul Zirkzee at such an early stage in the contest, United head coach Amorim told Sky Sports: ‘Josh is a player of Manchester United that we want more power sometimes in front. ‘We are suffering always the first goal at set-pieces so today we had more guys towards set-pieces.
