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 aim 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United forward of their 2-2 draw at Lyon within the Europa League on Thursday, three days earlier than Newcastle go to Outdated Trafford (16:30 BST), when the 23-year-old will try to attain for the primary time in 19 Premier League appearances if he options.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 important job, however an important factor was the way in which 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 house league sport in cost.
“You see each time, even when Josh will not be taking part in, whether or not he will get on the pitch or is warming up, our followers sing the Josh tune. That’s huge for the gamers. It’s 50-50: 50% the followers, 50% Josh.”
Joshua Zirkzee tune
Zirkzee, who arrived from Italian club Bologna for £36.5 million in July, has been serenaded by supporters with a tune 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 taking part in for 4 minutes at Anfield.
He has began 10 of United’s 18 matches since then, though final season’s Serie A Greatest Younger Participant scored 4 minutes after coming off the bench with the equaliser within the 2-1 house win over Leicester Metropolis within the FA Cup on February 7.
Zirkzee has two objectives in his final three Europa League appearances and scored within the shootout as United gained at Arsenal within the FA Cup on January 12, though he missed the ultimate spot kick after they have been eradicated by Fulham at house within the fifth spherical on March 2.
Man United vs Lyon: Amorim ‘cautious’
United seemed to have gained their quarter-final first leg towards the French aspect when Zirkzee, who had changed Rasmus Hojlund within the 63rd minute on the Groupama Stadium, headed in two minutes from the tip of standard time.
Rayan Cherki capitalised on visiting goalkeeper Andre Onana spilling a shot to equalise five 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 towards Newcastle, with United having little to play for within the league.
“Successful video games is the easiest way of getting ready for the subsequent one,” mentioned Amorim. “We’re going to watch out with some gamers, however we should be aggressive.
“When you find yourself taking part in for Manchester United, you can’t afford to be desirous about the subsequent sport. We’ve got to consider the way in which we need to play these sort 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 aim and Amorim mentioned an “analysis” would happen over the health of the midfielder, who has been virtually ever-present this season.
“We’ll make this analysis with all of the workers, with all the information we’ve,” mentioned Amroim. “Bruno Fernandes is taking part in on a regular basis and he’s taking part in higher on a regular basis.
“Generally this kind of participant has to play in each match, however we’ll deal with that on the day we’ve to organize.”
Fifth-placed Newcastle have 15 more points than United in 13th and gained a fourth consecutive match in all competitions by thrashing Leicester 3-0 away on Monday.
