Bruno Fernandes has publicly condemned Man United fans for their harsh treatment of teammate Joshua Zirkzee during the match against Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee drew loud cheers from parts of the crowd and his substitution in the 33rd minute was greeted with sarcastic cheers.
The striker walked straight into the tunnel before returning to the bench, with The Sun suggesting he was visibly emotional and even tearful after the incident.
Fernandes expressed his frustration over Zirkzee's treatment and highlighted the 23-year-old's unwavering commitment to the team since joining from Bologna.
The United captain highlighted the challenges faced by players moving from different leagues, noting that newcomers like Zirkzee need time to adapt and find their footing.
Fernandes concluded by reaffirming his confidence in Zirkzee, praising the forward's immense talent and assuring that the team fully believes in his potential.
Speaking to TalkSport after the match against Newcastle, Fernandes said: 'I was in the stands and I've never seen anything like it.
Fernandes continued: “It frustrates and irritates me a lot because he is a player who always gives everything.
'As a player who comes into the team from another league, he needs time to adapt, but he has enormous qualities.
'He hasn't shown all the quality, but it can't be that from the first game of the season everyone hyped him as one of the best strikers and now everyone doesn't believe in him anymore.
'We believe in him in the dressing room. Against Newcastle I would rather be myself in this position and not see any of my teammates in that position.'
United had endured a miserable opening to the match, trailing by two goals in the opening twenty minutes after headers from Alexander Isak and Joelinton.
Ruben Amorim decided he had seen enough and opted to replace Zirkzee with Kobbie Mainoo with the best part of the first half still remaining.
As he started jogging off the field, there was a roar from the home fans, who were clearly happy to see Zirkzee make way.
The fans' reaction prompted co-commentator and former United player Gary Neville to express some sympathy for Zirkzee.
“I actually feel sorry for him, I really do,” Neville said. “I know he's making a lot of money here, but there's a human being in there who is actually being cheered on by his own fans and that's cruel.
'I haven't seen that very often at Old Trafford in the 43 years I've been coming here.'
Once he reached the bench, Zirkzee picked up his jacket and quickly walked onto the sideline before heading into the tunnel.
Neville continued: “He's had enough and I can't really blame him. (It's) a huge shame, I hope some fans down there give him something. He didn't play well, let's be clear, they were all absolutely terrible.'
A few minutes later, Zirkzee returned to the bench with a bottle of water in his hand as he rejoined United's substitutes for the evening.
Neville then claimed United were the 'worst pound-for-pound team in the country' as he watched his old club thoroughly outplayed by Newcastle on home turf.
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