Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has revealed that Joshua Zirkzee could be out for a number of weeks after picking up an injury in Sunday’s defeat to Newcastle.
United and Newcastle were level at the interval after Sandro Tonali and Alejandro Garnacho exchanged goals, but a second-half onslaught saw the hosts streak away to eventually clinch all three points.
Harvey Barnes struck twice before Bruno Guimaraes completed the scoring in the 77th minute after a mistake from Altay Bayindir.
United have now sunk to 14th in the table and cannot reach their previous lowest ever points tally of 58 after their latest embarrassing result.
To add salt to injury, Zirkzee picked up an injury that forced him to come off in the early stages of the second half.
Zirkzee was given the nod to lead the line for United, with Rasmus Hojlund dropping to the bench after last week’s poor performance at the Groupama Stadium.
The Netherlands international was playing well and nearly got on the score sheet after some fantastic link-up play between himself and Bruno Fernandes, but his effort was tipped over by Nick Pope.
Zirkzee picked up the injury while on a brilliant surging run, which saw him evade a couple of challenges and tackles in the process.
He however pulled up sharply, clutching at his hamstring and it was clear he could not carry on. Hojlund came on in his place.
After the final whistle, Amorim spoke to MUTV and confirmed that the 23-year-old will in all likelihood, miss Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg with Lyon.
Amorim added, “We had to make rotation because we are trying to recover in two days from each game.”
“But trying to win this game also.”
“Josh, I think he will be out for some games. So, let’s focus on the next one [against Lyon].”
Chido Obi is not eligible to play in the Europa League, which means Hojlund – who is currently struggling for form – could be the only natural striker who’s fit and available to Amorim for selection.
Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
