Joshua Zirkzee, Manchester United’s £36.5 million summer acquisition, faced a harsh reality during the recent Premier League clash with Newcastle, as he was jeered off the field after being substituted in the first half.

United’s start was dismal, conceding two goals in the first 20 minutes from Alexander Isak and Joelinton. Manager Ruben Amorim decided to replace Zirkzee with Kobbie Mainoo, prompting a loud cheer from the home crowd, signaling their relief at the alteration.

Gary Neville, co-commentator and former United player, expressed sympathy for Zirkzee, highlighting the brutal nature of being booed by his own supporters. He noted the rarity of such a response at Old Trafford, emphasizing the emotional impact on the player.

After exiting the pitch, Zirkzee returned to the bench, grasping a water bottle, but his struggles mirrored Neville’s pre-match worries about United’s summer signings and their fit within the squad. Neville criticized the team’s overall display, branding them the “worst pound-for-pound team in the nation” as they were thoroughly outclassed by Newcastle.

Zirkzee was booed off by his own fans during the first half against Newcastle.

Zirkzee grabbed his coat and swiftly walked down the tunnel before later returning to the bench.

Gary Neville admitted he felt sympathy for Zirkzee after he was jeered off by his own supporters.

“I understand he’s earning a lot here, but there’s a human being in there being booed off, and that’s harsh.

“I haven’t seen that happen too often at Old Trafford in the 43 years I’ve been coming here.”

Once at the bench, Zirkzee picked up his coat and quickly walked up the touchline before heading down the tunnel.

Neville added: “He’s had enough, and I really don’t blame him. (It’s) a huge embarrassment. I hope some fans down there offer him some support. He hasn’t played well, to be honest; they’ve all been absolutely dreadful.”

A few minutes later, Zirkzee returned to the bench with a water bottle as he rejoined United’s substitutes for the evening.

Neville would later claim that United were the “worst pound-for-pound team in the nation” as he watched his former club be thoroughly outplayed by Newcastle on their home ground.

Before the match even started, Neville had voiced his concerns regarding United’s summer signings, including Zirkzee, and how they had struggled to adapt at Old Trafford.

“I am stunned at how poor those players have been in the early weeks at this club,” he remarked before kick-off.

Neville reiterated that United are the “worst pound-for-pound team in the nation.”