Zirkzee relieved to feel fans’ support

Joshua Zirkzee has thanked the Manchester United fans for helping him through a difficult period early in his Reds career.

The reaction at Old Trafford to his substitution during the home defeat to Newcastle United at the end of last year was a hard one for the Dutchman to take.

While he was a victim of circumstance, with the whole team performing poorly and trailing to two early goals by the Magpies, it must have been a test of character for the 23-year-old.

Thankfully, the away end at the very next match, away to Liverpool, made their feelings clear towards the summer signing, signing his name as he warmed up at Anfield.

In an exclusive interview with the latest edition of Inside United, conducted last month, Zirkzee outlined just how much the response meant to him at the time.

“Of course, it wasn’t the best period,” he conceded. “We all know what happened and for the fans to stand behind me, like they did back then, was maybe even a relief.

“For them to show that they’re not giving up on me. To just show that they’re still behind me. As I said before, it just motivates you a lot. It motivates you.

“I think we’ve seen, against Real Sociedad, when we got 1-0 behind, the fans just kept going. That atmosphere that they can create, it’s something you won’t find anywhere else on this planet. It’s amazing what people on the outside of the pitch can do for the people on the pitch as well.”

Obviously, our latest meeting with the Magpies was also an unhappy one for the striker, as he was forced to leave the field during the second half with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Ruben Amorim confirmed afterwards to MUTV that he expects the Netherlands international to “miss some games” and it does seem almost certain that he will miss the key second leg of the Europa League quarter-final with Lyon, after scoring in France.

We are awaiting more details but wish Josh a speedy recovery.

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