Dutch media make their feelings clear on Joshua Zirkzee's humiliating Man Utd substitution vs Newcastle

Dutch media have made their feelings clear on Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee being substituted after just 33 minutes in his side's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Monday.

Zirkzee started the defeat on the left side of attack, but was hauled off by manager Ruben Amorim in the first half and replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.

The Dutch forward was jeered by United supporters inside Old Trafford as he left the pitch, with Sky Germany reporting that he appeared close to tears after walking straight down the tunnel.

United supporters were criticised online for their reaction to one of their own players, with Gary Neville claiming that he felt 'sorry' for Zirkzee.

He said: "I actually feel sorry for him, I really do.

"I know he is earning a lot of money, but there's a human being in there that is basically being cheered off by his own fans, and that is brutal. I have not seen that too many times at Old Trafford in the 43 years I've been coming here, if at all actually."

Speaking after the match, Amorim defended the substitution by stating: "You have to think about the team, and also the player because the player is suffering and needed another midfielder.

"I've been there. I felt the team was suffering and needed another midfielder. It was really tough on me to do that, and I spoke with Josh because it is really important to express the message ... we will support Josh and continue."

Dutch media react to Zirkzee substitution

Joshua Zirkzee was substituted by Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim (Image: Getty)

Dutch media were quick to react to Zirkzee's snub at Old Trafford.

AD described the incident as a 'very painful moment' for the 23-year-old, who signed for United from Bologna in the summer. They added that the transfer 'has not been a great success for player and club'.

Volkskrant, meanwhile, dubbed the match a 'personal drama' for Zirkzee and wrote: "Zirkzee seems to be short for the Premier League."

And De Telegraaf claimed that Zirkzee had been 'victimised', writing: "On Monday, Newcastle was too strong 0-2, mainly thanks to a dramatic first half and that was at the expense of Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch attacker was victimised early on by Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim."

NOS, meanwhile, didn't refer to Zirkzee's substitution except for a brief mention, though did headline their summary of the defeat as 'United gone mad'.

Ruben Amorim's side are now in 14th place after the defeat and sit seven points above the relegation zone.