In United’s 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle last month, forward Joshua Zirkzee was substituted just past the half-hour mark. As he made his way off the field, some fans at Old Trafford booed the Dutch player. However, following United’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday, captain Bruno Fernandes has publicly defended the £36 million (€42.5m/$46m) summer signing.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Fernandes said: “I was in the stands, and I’ve never seen anything like that. It really frustrates and annoys me because Zirkzee always gives his best. As a player coming from a different league, he needs time to adjust, but he has immense talent. He hasn’t showcased all of it yet, but it’s not fair that from the start of the season, everyone was praising him as one of the best strikers, and now suddenly, people have lost faith in him. We believe in him in the dressing room. I’d rather be in his shoes than seeing one of my teammates go through that.”
While Fernandes’ support is likely appreciated by Zirkzee, the 23-year-old has struggled to make an impact at United so far, with just four goals and two assists in 28 appearances. However, the former Bologna player, who has been linked to Juventus, may need more time to settle and find his rhythm at the club.
Zirkzee, who showed promise off the bench against Liverpool, will be eager for more playing time next weekend when United faces Arsenal in the FA Cup third round.
J. Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee
NetherlandsThis season he played in total 20 times for 701 minutes for Premier League.
J. Zirkzee scored 3 goals for Manchester United. He procured one assist. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.
His team is currently 13th in Premier League. In the last match Manchester United drew 2-2 against Liverpool.
Manchester United performance and stats
Manchester United is currently 13th in the Premier League with 23 points.
In the last 20 games, it has won 6 times, drew 5 times, and lost 9 times. In its last match, Manchester United drew 2-2 against Liverpool.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 23 goals and conceding 28.
Manchester United will play the next match in Premier League against Southampton on Thursday 16th of January in Manchester.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Miguel Borges Fernandes
PortugalThis season he played in total 19 times for 1570 minutes for Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes scored 4 goals for Manchester United. He procured 6 assists. He received 2 yellow cards and 1 red card.
His team is currently 13th in Premier League. In the last match Manchester United drew 2-2 against Liverpool.
Manchester United performance and stats
Manchester United is currently 13th in the Premier League with 23 points.
In the last 20 games, it has won 6 times, drew 5 times, and lost 9 times. In its last match, Manchester United drew 2-2 against Liverpool.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 23 goals and conceding 28.
Manchester United will play the next match in Premier League against Southampton on Thursday 16th of January in Manchester.
