Van Nistelrooy questioned the decision to keep Joshua Zirkzee on the field while substituting another forward, suggesting that the latter showed more promise during the match.
Van Nistelrooy’s critique centers on the belief that the substituted player, whose identity he did not specify, demonstrated greater effectiveness and potential to score than Zirkzee. He implied that Amorim’s preference for Zirkzee might be unfounded, especially given the team’s performance dynamics during the game.
This isn’t the first time Zirkzee’s role and performance have come under scrutiny. Earlier in the season, during a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United, Zirkzee was substituted just 33 minutes into the match. Amorim defended that decision, stating, “You have to think about the team, and also sometimes about the player as the player was suffering. I felt the team was suffering and needed another midfielder, that’s it.”
Despite the criticisms, Amorim has consistently expressed confidence in Zirkzee’s potential. Following the Newcastle match, he remarked, “Josh is a really good lad. We will support him and keep going.”
The ongoing debate highlights the challenges within Manchester United’s squad, particularly concerning player selection and performance. As the team navigates a tumultuous season, the decisions made by Amorim regarding key players like Zirkzee will undoubtedly continue to be a focal point for both supporters and club legends.
