Watch: Zirkzee subbed off after 33 minutes as Juventus rumours intensify | OneFootball

Manchester United striker and Juventus target Joshua Zirkzee went through a humiliating moment as he was replaced after just 33 minutes during his side’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle, with the home crowd loudly cheering the decision as he walked off the pitch.

Zirkzee’s early substitution cheered by Manchester United fans

The Red Devils put in another dismal display under new coach Ruben Amorim, who was desperate to change something after watching his team concede twice in the opening 20 minutes, only to decide to replace the former Bologna striker with Kobbie Mainoo.

The Dutchman first headed straight to the tunnel before coming back and taking his place on the bench with the hood pulled over his head.

Zirzkee edges closer to Serie A return

Asked to explain the decision after the game, Amorim admitted it was a ‘tough’ call but insisted that ‘it was important for him to come out’ as the forward was ‘suffering’.

“You have to think about the team,” the Portuguese boss told reporters after the match, as quoted by Goal.com.

“The player is suffering during the game. We needed another midfielder. It was tough on me to do that, I talked with Joshua on that. I’m always thinking about the team. At that moment it was important for him to come out.

“I know that Josh is a really good guy. When he went to the tunnel, I can understand that some guys can be in a bad way but he is a really good lad. It is life, and we will support Josh and continue.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 30: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United is challenged by Will Alves of Leicester City during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford on October 30, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

As a result, Zirkzee is now likely to be even more willing to leave Old Trafford in January, with Teamtalk claiming that he has instructed his agents to evaluate proposals coming from Serie A clubs, who look particularly eager to bring the striker back to Italy.

While Juventus and Milan were already known to be among his suitors, Bologna are also reportedly willing to welcome the player back on loan.