Zirkzee feels the force of Manchester United fans’ unhappiness against Newcastle

Zirkzee was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo in the first half, much to the delight of Red Devils fans at Old Trafford.

Things are not going well for Manchester United at the moment and striker Joshua Zirkzee took the full force of fans’ frustrations in Monday’s game against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils went into the game in 14th place in the Premier League table and on the back of four defeats in five league games, and three in a row in all competitions. Things continued in the same vein in the opening stages against the Magpies, who raced into a 2-0 lead inside 19 minutes and could easily have been even further ahead.

As Eddie Howe’s team continued to create - and miss - more opportunities, United coach Rubén Amorim made a tactical change, replacing Zirkzee with Kobbie Mainoo as he looked to help his team gain some kind of foothold in midfield.

A substitution the vast majority of fans inside Old Trafford appeared to be in full agreement with, met with huge cheers all around the ground.

A snub for Zirkzee or simply a show of support for a local youngster, who was one of United’s best players last season? Either way, it continues the Dutch attacker’s difficult start to life in the Premier League.

Since joining The Red Devils for a reported €42.5 million ($44.21 million) from Bologna in the summer, Zirkee has started only 10 games and scored just four times in 26 appearances, not the return he or the club were hoping for.