Ben Foster describes how Sir Alex Ferguson would have reacted to Joshua Zirkzee walking down tunnel if he was Man Utd manager

Joshua Zirkzee's career at Manchester United "would have been done" if Sir Alex Ferguson was still in charge, according to former goalkeeper Ben Foster.

The 23-year-old forward, who only joined the Reds from Bologna in July for a reported £36.5 million, made an instant impression with the Old Trafford faithful after scoring on his debut against Fulham.

But after a poor run of form, a section of supporters turned against Zirkzee on Monday night, when he was brought off in the 33rd minute of their Premier League clash against Newcastle.

In fact, Ruben Amorim's decision to replace Zirkzee with Kobbie Mainoo was met with loud cheers, which were followed by a loud round of boos as he ran down the Old Trafford tunnel.

Since the uncomfortable incident took place, a report has emerged that reveals the Dutchman's true feelings towards his uncertain future as he continues to be linked with a return to Serie A.

Zirkzee walked down the tunnel after being brought off against Newcastle. Image credit: Getty

But for the time being, Zirkzee remains a Manchester United player, although former goalkeeper Ben Foster believes his time at Old Trafford would have been cut short if Sir Alex Ferguson was still in charge.

Speaking on his YouTube channel Ben Foster - The Cycling GK, the 41-year-old said: "When he walked off down the tunnel... If Alex Ferguson would have been manager, that player would have been done.

"Whoever that is, if you walk off that pitch when you've been brought off after 30 minutes, get a coat and walk straight into the dressing room. You're done. I promise you, you're done. It just doesn't work like that.

"And I guarantee you, when he got back to the changing room, somebody would have said to him, 'You need to get back outside. This is not a good look.' The camera has just watched you walk all the way down the line, the fans are booing."

Foster added: "It is a horrible situation. I really feel for him. At that moment in time, the atmosphere in Old Trafford was horrible. United were getting pumped. They were on the back foot and it was almost like he was the scapegoat. He was just one of 11 problems on that pitch."

Thoughts on Zirkzee's future? Let us know in the comments.