Ruben Amorim reveals reason behind “tough” first-half substitution of Joshua Zirkzee in loss to Newcastle | OneFootball

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has revealed that the team was suffering and ultimately, that’s why he elected to substitute Joshua Zirkzee in the first half of the club’s 2-0 loss against Newcastle.

United slipped to a fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions at the hands of the Magpies.

Alexander Isak and Joelinton scored within the opening minutes to clinch all three points for their side at Old Trafford.

One of the controversial moments of the match was Zirkzee’s substitution before the break. The Dutchman started in a largely unfamiliar left 10 position and unsurprisingly, he struggled to have an impact on the match from that part of the pitch.

With United under the cost, Amorim wasted no time in looking to his bench and bringing on Kobbie Mainoo as a replacement for the former Bologna forward.

A visibly dejected Zirkzee grabbed a coat from the bench and ran straight back to the dressing room before re-emerging minutes later.

After the final whistle, Amorim spoke to Sky Sports and admitted being sympathetic to Zirkzee’s situation, but insisted the decision was motivated by a need to improve the team’s fortunes on the pitch.

Amorim told the news outlet, “Were my selections wrong? That is really easy to make that evaluation after the game has started. I have to do it before and I am the only guy who can do it before to try to understand how they play.”

“Josh [Zirkzee] is a player for Manchester United and we want more power sometimes in front. We are suffering always the first goal from set pieces so we picked more guys for set pieces.”

“We are trying to solve problems in the team but we have a lot of problems and sometimes you push one side, and the other side is open.”

The 39-year-old coach added, “You have to think about the team but also the player, but the player is suffering. I thought the team was suffering and we needed another midfielder to have more ball.”

“It was really tough for me to do that, but I’ve spoken to Josh as it was important to express the message. For the team, it was important for Josh to go out.”

“I know that Josh is a really good guy. When he went to the tunnel, I can understand that some guys can be in a bad way but he is a really good lad. It is life, and we will support Josh and continue. Newcastle were better than Manchester United, they weren’t better than Josh.”

Amorim was asked whether he will change anything about his tactical approach, in an effort to stop United’s losing streak. He responded, “I change something tactical in every game. You focus on the three defenders, you can focus on that. I change for every game and you can see it.”

“If I did not believe I would change because I am not stubborn. I believe in something and I really stick on that.”

Things don’t get any easier for United, whose next assignment is against Arne Slot’s Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Featured Image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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