Manchester United found themselves a goal down four minutes into their clash with Newcastle United at Old Trafford in their Premier League meeting.
Alexander Isak netted the opener four minutes into the game, a sign of things to come. The Magpies tore the Reds apart from limb to limb.
Around 15 minutes later, Man United were being mullered as Anthony Gordon’s cross was met by Joelinton, who doubled the lead.
Newcastle kept finding gaps behind Man United’s back three. Noussair Mazraoui was getting ripped apart by the rapacious Newcastle attackers.
United manager Ruben Amorim had to change something and decided to haul off Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has been one of the whipping boys for United’s misfortunes.
He was jeered off by his own fans as he stormed down the tunnel, paying the price for a horrendous all-round performance.
Man United legend Gary Neville acknowledged that the striker was a scapegoat for the general failure of the team.
Neville said (via the BBC): “I actually feel sorry for Joshua Zirkzee. He was bought for big money but there is a human being in there.
“He is essentially being cheered off by his own fans. He has not been good, but they have all been poor. You are watching the worst pound-for-pound team in the country.”
Zirkzee was having an ineffective game as one of the attackers behind Rasmus Hojlund, but even when Kobbie Mainoo came off the bench to replace him, not much changed.
Newcastle were still outrunning and outmuscled Man United across the park, leaving the Reds on course to suffer their fourth successive loss across all competitions.
Amorim has struggled since making the move from the Portuguese top flight to Manchester United. The squad does not fit what he likes, and they need surgical transfer windows to gut and restructure this team.
Based on their showing at home, it is hard to dispute Neville’s claims. United have been horrendous this season and need something to change.
