Joshua Zirkzee ‘in ROW with Ruben Amorim as Man Utd striker looks to force Juventus move’ after Newcastle humiliation
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE has reportedly fallen out with Ruben Amorim as he seeks an Old Trafford exit.
The forward has struggled to adjust to the Premier League since signing for £34million in the summer.
Zirkzee was dragged off after just 33 minutes against Newcastle following heavy boos from his own supporters, with the forward reportedly reduced to tears.
Now reports in Italy claim Zirkzee has had a row with Amorim as he looks to secure a move away from the club.
Corriere dello Sport report he is looking to leave on loan amid interest from Juventus.
They are managed by Thiago Motta, who Zirkzee played for at Bologna, so a deal could be in the offing.
Juventus chief Cristiano Giuntoli has opened the door for a move for the Dutchman, who is also attracting interest from Napoli.
Giuntoli said: “Zirkzee? It’s not appropriate to mention names, but we are keeping an eye on any interesting opportunities, and we will move to strengthen the defence.”
Amorim revealed he spoke to Zirkzee after his early substitution and suggested he is going through a tough moment.
He said: “Josh is a really good lad. We will support him and keep going.
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Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright spark
KOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.
Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…
Andre Onana – 5
Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.
Noussair Mazraouri – 4
The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.
But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.
Matthijs de Ligt – 5
Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.
Harry Maguire – 4
Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.
Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.
Lisandro Martinez – 3
A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.
Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.
Casemiro – 3
Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.
Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.
Christian Eriksen – 4
Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.
He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.
Amad Diallo – 4
A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.
Joshua Zirkzee – 2
Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6
Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.
Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.
Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6
Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.
Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4
Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.
Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5
Not enough time to influence the match.
“It was really tough for me to do that, but I’ve spoken to Josh as it was important to express the message. We needed Josh to go out, for the team.
“The player is suffering and I was there myself a few years ago. I felt he and the team were suffering during the game and we needed another midfielder.
“It was tough on me to do that and I’ve talked with Josh about that because it’s important to relay the message.’