Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim explains brutal substitution decision

Manchester United are now 14th in the Premier League after their dismal showing at home against Newcastle United in Matchweek 19.

Ruben Amorim says his side are now in a relegation battle after that 2-0 loss at home.

However, the biggest story coming out of the match was the Portuguese’s decision to sub off forward Joshua Zirkzee just 33 minutes into the game. Many are now questioning both Amorim and Zirkzee’s future at the club.

Amorim’s controversial sub

Man Utd and Newcastle had nearly even odds from the betting sites to win last weekend’s game, but it was clear after just 20 minutes that only one team had a real chance of winning the fixture.

It took Newcastle only four minutes to open the scoring with a headed goal from Alexander Isak. Midfielder Joelinton scored an almost identical goal less than 15 minutes later.

Amorim then made the call after the second goal to replace Zirkzee with Kobbie Mainoo. Even under these circumstances, this was a bold decision.

Amorim explains “tough” decision

Asked after the match, Amorim explained his controversial first half sub.

“You have to think about the team and also sometimes about the player because the player is suffering.

“I was there a few years ago and I know that he wants it because I saw it during the week. That is the more important thing and he’s suffering during the game.

“I felt the team was suffering and needed another midfielder to have more and then we started to have more ball with Kobbie Mainoo.”

The new Man Utd manager added that he had already taken time to explain everything to Zirkzee as well.

“But it was really, really tough on me to do that and I talked with Josh about that because it’s important to express the message. But I’m always thinking about the team and, in that moment, it was important for the team,” Amorim said.

Pundit slams decision

While some accepted Amorim’s explanation, others slammed the new Red Devils’ boss.

Former West Ham and Aston Villa player went as far as to say that Zirkzee has lost all respect for his boss.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the former midfielder said: “As a player, when you go through a moment like that, you need to think about the human element.

“He will look at Ruben Amorim and never trust him again. He will be able to look at him and say 'good morning boss' but he will not have any respect for him deep down.”

It is too early to say whether Zirkzee actually feels that way about Amorim, but there are plenty of reports linking him away from Manchester United.

Some smaller international betting sites have even begun offering bets on where Zirkzee will be playing after the conclusion of the January transfer window.

Conclusion

Juventus are currently the most likely team to sign Zirkzee, according to the soccer betting odds. Other Serie A clubs and even his former side Bayern Munich could also be potential destinations in January, if the latest EPL transfer rumours are to be believed.