Man United were 2-0 down to Newcastle after just 19 minutes and that was the final score of the match. Another home defeat and the drop to the bottom. Even the most optimistic Man United fans could not accept the reality anymore, it was too bad and hopeless.
Joshua Zirkzee has never shone at Old Trafford since his summer move. The Dutch striker is only 23 this year, he still has plenty of time to develop. But at Man United, that is too much of a luxury. The speed of player elimination in the Premier League is very fast, unlike the Serie A environment Zirkzee was used to. If he continues to play like this, it is not impossible that he will have to leave Old Trafford in the summer of 2025, or even in the next few weeks.
However, the problem of criticism of players by Man United fans is very negative and it cannot be justified for any reason. This situation is becoming more and more common, even many players are the focus of criticism on social networks. Players today are more sensitive and vulnerable, so young people like Zirkzee can be completely psychologically defeated. Many sources also revealed that when being substituted and receiving such criticism from the stands, this young star was in tears.
"Manchester United are increasingly breaking their promises to the fans. Every year it becomes more obvious. Therefore, what they didn't do before is criticise the players more and more. Before, they were very fair and supportive of the club, now that's not the case" - Brian McClair, who played 471 games for Man United shared.
The young players of Man United are under too much pressure to perform, but the pressure from the stands and on social media is even more terrible. The dream of developing a star career at Old Trafford is being blackened week by week, month by month. Besides Zirkzee, the once-hoped-for Garnacho is also under too much pressure, and may not be able to develop anymore.
"It was a very difficult moment. Zirkzee is also a normal person and has emotions. It was only at the end of the match, when the fans started supporting him again, that somehow helped him feel better" - Ruben Amorim shared about his student.
Amorim sympathizes with Zirkzee, but the Red Devils' captain must also understand how disappointed the fans are. Losing game after game, setting a terrible record week after week is what Man United has sent to the fans over the years. They have supported the club with all their heart but received only disappointment in return. The reaction to insulting the players may be negative, but it also comes from frustration and pent-up anger.
This is a difficult time for Man United. They have tried many managers since Sir Alex but most have failed, except for the slight success with Jose Mourinho. Amorim has arrived at a time when the team has hit rock bottom and there are problems that cannot be solved quickly outside of football. Players like Zirkzee may be bad but the constant criticism at this time does not solve the problem. It only makes things worse every day.
