One player was spotted offering support to Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee following his disappointing performance against Newcastle United.
Manchester United's season took another blow on Monday as their losing streak was extended to four following a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford the hands of an in-form Newcastle United.
During the match, United's summer signing Zirkzee was taken off after just 33 minutes as managed Ruben Amorim appeared to send a clear message that he was not happy with the striker's performance.
And immediately after the match one of his teammates was seen consoling the Dutchman after the embarrassing substitution early in the game.
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For the match, the 23-year-old was started in a new role playing behind fellow striker Rasmus Hojlund, but failed to impress, leading to his early dismissal.
Despite this, Zirkzee stayed on the pitch and walked with his teammates to applaud the home fans that had supported them throughout the match.
And afterwards, teammate and fellow Dutch national Matthijs de Ligt was seen speaking with the young forward and appearing to offer some words of support.
Ahead of the match, Amorim had told the media that Zirkzee had been training well in his new position, but admitted in his post-match press conference that he had looked lost on Monday.
"For Josh, it was a really difficult moment for him. I felt I had to do something in that moment," admitted the Portuguese manager.
“It was a really hard moment for Josh and I don’t like to do that for my players. I felt he was suffering. I was thinking about the team and I’m really sorry for Josh.”
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Amorim further detailed why he brought Zirkzee off early and what he had told the forward to explain the decision.
He said: "You have to think about the team and also the player because the player is suffering.
"It was really tough on me to do that and I spoke with Josh because it is really important to express the message
"It's important to know the players and I know that Josh is a really good guy.
"We will support Josh and continue."
The Dutch striker joined United from Bologna in the summer for a fee of £34 million, penning a five year contract, but has failed to impress for his new club.
His lacklustre performances has led to rumours that Zirkzee could be looking for a move away from United in the January transfer window, just six months after coming to Old Trafford.
Topics: Manchester United, Joshua Zirkzee, Newcastle United, Premier League, Ruben Amorim, Matthijs De Ligt, Transfers, Football
Ben McCrum