- Harry Maguire revealed that he sent Joshua Zirkzee a private message
- The striker was ironically cheered off in Man United 2-0 defeat by Newcastle
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Ruben Amorim looks desperate… it’s a last resort to publicly out your players
Harry Maguire revealed that he sent a private message to Joshua Zirkzee after Man United fans ironically cheered when their summer signing was substituted in a 2-0 defeat by Newcastle at Old Trafford last month.
The striker came off after just 33 minutes, as the Red Devils conceded two goals in the opening 19 minutes and had their backs against the wall.
If anyone knows what it’s like to overcome adversity from fans and pundits, it’s Maguire. The centre back has himself been booed at Old Trafford in the past and was stripped of the United captaincy in 2022 by Erik ten Hag.
Maguire has had to win over supporters during his career and is pleased that Zirkzee has redeemed himself in the eyes of many fans since the Newcastle game.
This included when the Dutchman sealed a dramatic FA Cup third round victory for United against Arsenal, scoring the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.
‘I sent him a message privately after the [Newcastle] game,’ Maguire said.
Harry Maguire revealed he sent a private message to Joshua Zirkzee after he was booed off
Zirkze was substituted in the 33rd minute of United’s defeat by against Newcastle last month
Zirkzee responded a few games later, scoring a penalty shoot-out winner against Arsenal
‘He’s a good player. You don’t play for this club if you’re not a good player.
‘With Josh coming on against Arsenal, he really changed the game for us and to score the penalty [in the shootout]. It probably gave him the confidence and belief that he belongs here.’
Maguire also said if United’s greats of the past have come in the firing line of critics, it should come to no surprise that this Red Devils side are facing a similar backlash.
‘There are so many ups and downs. Every game you lose, there’s a lot of scrutiny and that’s part and parcel of playing for this club,’ Maguire added.
‘I look at previous players, the likes of Beckham and Rooney had a lot of scrutiny. If it can happen to them, it can happen to anyone.
‘The fans have been brilliant with him. We have amazing fans that stick with us through thick and thin. When times are tough they really get behind you and support you.
‘I have felt that and I am sure Josh would have been feeling that over the recent weeks.’
Zirkzee has struggled for form since landing in Manchester from Bologna last summer in a £36.5million deal.
The Dutchman has scored just five goals since joining for £36.5m from Bologna last summer
In 30 games in all competitions, he has scored just five goals, although Zirkzee’s rival for United’s No 9 spot, Rasmus Hojlund, has not done much better.
Hojlund has netted seven times in 25 games this season.
United have scored just 27 in the Premier League this season, the sixth-fewest.
Mail Sport previously reported that Juventus are lining up a loan move for Zirkzee. However, the 23-year-old is keen on fighting for his place under Amorim at United.
