"He is essentially being cheered off by his own fans" - Gary Neville backs struggling Manchester United star amid criticism over poor form

Gary Neville backed Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee after the Dutchman was taken off in the first half against Newcastle United on Monday. The striker was taken off for Kobbie Mainoo when they were 2-0 down in the first 30 minutes.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said it was awful to see Manchester United fans cheering for Zirkzee's exit. He added that it was harsh to blame the forward for the scoreline.

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

"He's had enough and I actually don't blame him. It's massive embarrassment. He's not played well, let's be clear. But they've all been absolutely awful."

Manchester United lost the game 2-0 down and are sitting 14th in the league table with 22 points.

Joshua Zirkzee told to leave Manchester United on loan in January

Paolo Di Canio spoke to Tuttosport in October and said that the Premier League was not suitable for Joshua Zirkzee. The former West Ham United player claimed that the Dutchman should be thinking of a return to Serie A and believed that Juventus were a perfect fit for him. He said:

"I would loan Zirkzee from Manchester United. They've been making crazy choices for several years and none of them are working, not even Zirkzee who's a bit too slow for the Premier League. ... They already have [Rasmus] Hojlund, and then there's Rashford who can play as a striker."

Zirkzee has played 698 minutes in the Premier League this season, scoring thrice. He had an assist to his name in the league and one goal in the League Cup.