Ruben Amorim has praised Joshua Zirkzee and mentioned the response of Manchester United followers to the ahead has been “essential” since he was substituted after 33 minutes within the 2-0 defeat at Newcastle on December 30.
Netherlands worldwide Zirkzee notched his seventh objective of the season in all competitions to place United forward of their 2-2 draw at Lyon within the Europa League on Thursday, three days earlier than Newcastle go to Outdated Trafford (16:30 BST), when the 23-year-old will try to attain for the primary time in 19 Premier League appearances if he options.
“He’s doing an incredible job, however an important factor was the best way the followers reacted after that incident,” mentioned Amorim, who changed Zirkzee with Kobbie Mainoo after United had conceded twice contained in the opening 19 minutes of the Portuguese’s fourth residence league sport in cost.
“You see each time, even when Josh shouldn’t be enjoying, whether or not he will get on the pitch or is warming up, our followers sing the Josh track. That’s large for the gamers. It’s 50-50: 50% the followers, 50% Josh.”
Joshua Zirkzee track
Zirkzee, who arrived from Italian membership Bologna for £36.5 million in July, has been serenaded by supporters with a track to the tune of The White Stripes’ 2003 hit Seven Nation Military, which has change into virtually ubiquitously used at sporting occasions.
Followers sang the model devoted to Zirkzee at United’s subsequent 2-2 draw at Liverpool regardless of the goal of the chants solely enjoying for 4 minutes at Anfield.
He has began 10 of United’s 18 matches since then, though final season’s Serie A Finest Younger Participant scored 4 minutes after coming off the bench with the equaliser within the 2-1 residence win over Leicester Metropolis within the FA Cup on February 7.
Zirkzee has two targets in his final three Europa League appearances and scored within the shootout as United received at Arsenal within the FA Cup on January 12, though he missed the ultimate spot kick once they had been eradicated by Fulham at residence within the fifth spherical on March 2.
Man United vs Lyon: Amorim ‘cautious’
United seemed to have received their quarter-final first leg in opposition to the French aspect when Zirkzee, who had changed Rasmus Hojlund within the 63rd minute on the Groupama Stadium, headed in two minutes from the top of normal time.
Rayan Cherki capitalised on visiting goalkeeper Andre Onana spilling a shot to equalise 5 minutes into added time, and Amorim was requested whether or not the significance of the second leg at Outdated Trafford on Thursday (20:00) will have an effect on his choices in opposition to Newcastle, with United having little to play for within the league.
“Profitable video games is one of the best ways of getting ready for the following one,” mentioned Amorim. “We’re going to watch out with some gamers, however we have to be aggressive.
“When you find yourself enjoying for Manchester United, you can’t afford to be fascinated by the following sport. We’ve to consider the best way we wish to play these kind of video games, and we’re being extra constant.”
Ruben discusses the provision of his squad earlier than Newcastle away 🔜#MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 11, 2025
Man United vs Newcastle: Fernandes ‘analysis’
Bruno Fernandes arrange Zirkzee’s newest objective and Amorim mentioned an “analysis” would happen over the health of the midfielder, who has been virtually ever-present this season.
“We are going to make this analysis with all of the workers, with all the info we now have,” mentioned Amroim. “Bruno Fernandes is enjoying on a regular basis and he’s enjoying higher on a regular basis.
“Typically this sort of participant has to play in each match, however we’ll deal with that on the day we now have to arrange.”
Fifth-placed Newcastle have 15 extra factors than United in thirteenth and received a fourth consecutive match in all competitions by thrashing Leicester 3-0 away on Monday.
