Brian McClair gives verdict on Manchester United fans booing Joshua Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee is not the first nor last player to get booed by his own fans.

Having struggled to find form since joining Manchester United from Bologna in the summer, Joshua Zirkzee is facing mounting pressure to perform and provide goals.

Zirkzee has managed just six goal contributions in 27 matches but his latest involvement came with a sense of embarrassment as his substitution led to cheers from sections of United fans.

Ruben Amorim hooked the 23-year-old after 32nd minutes in favour of Kobbie Mainoo.

Zirkzee proceeded to trudge his way down the tunnel only for team-mate Alejandro Garnacho to visibly encourage fans in the stands not to sarcastically clap or boo, but to support the player as he resurfaced from the dressing room.

The substitution wouldn’t change proceedings as United lost 2-0 against Newcastle United, rarely threatening the opposition’s goal, with Amorim recording just four wins in his first 11 games.

Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images

Brian McClair explains Joshua Zirkzee boos

Brian McClair, who made 471 appearances for United, believes several factors help explain why the fans cheered Zirkzee’s substitution on Monday night.

It doesn’t help that United are positioned 14th in the Premier League after missing out on Champions League football last term. Amorim’s side are also out of the Carabao Cup after a 4-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on December 19.

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“This isn’t just about Zirkzee and there’s a whole raft of factors here,” McClair told The Athletic. “None of the players were signed by the current coach. So he’s working out what they are capable of.

“People look at Zirkzee and assume, because of his physique, that he’s a different type of player to what he is. He’s a skilful No 10 who links play, not a big old-style centre-forward.

“The coach has created the situation because he’s asking Zirkzee to play in a different position and formation. There could be a certain culpability from the coach — and that’s fine, he’s allowed to say he got it wrong.

“I don’t see a huge difference to taking him off at half-time — he wasn’t the only player struggling in a team that didn’t have a shot on target in the first half.

“Secondly, you have years of frustration and false promises to fans. It led to United fans doing what they don’t usually do and getting on a player’s back — because Manchester United fans have traditionally been very supportive of their own. They’re more than fair.”

Time and time again United have signed the wrong players, but it’s wrong to blame the player for that.

Boos will get louder if Manchester United drop into relegation zone

United’s league form is a major concern.

The Reds are currently seven points adrift of the relegation places – currently filled by Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town – and they’re 13th points away from the top four.

Key: Position 1 – 4 : Champions League

Position 5 : UEFA Europa League

Position 18 – 20 : Relegation

A lot of work is required for United to climb up the table, but lowering our position and losing more matches will only lead to more boos.

Like McClair says, the boos weren’t solely directed at Zirkzee and his struggles. United fans are losing patience with the entire situation at the club after years of mismanagement from the Glazers and their appointed staff such as Ed Woodward and Richard Arnold.

Ineos are trying to do this differently but not without hiccups getting in the way.

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