SCAPEGOAT JOSH IS BACK ON SONG

Zirkzee winning over his critics

- By David McDonnell

RUBEN AMORIM has praised Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee for the mental resolve he has shown after being jeered by his own fans.

The 23-year-old was booed off when substituted just 33 minutes into a chastening 2-0 defeat by Newcastle at Old Trafford in December.

In fact, his early withdrawal was greeted with sarcastic cheers, such was the dismay at United’s lack of a cutting edge at the time.

Zirkzee was close to tears as he headed straight down the tunnel. But he swallowed his pride to come back out a few minutes later to watch the team.

That was more than team-mate Alejandro Garnacho could do a few games later.