Man Utd home supporters make amends for ‘unsavoury’ behaviour with classy action in FA Cup defeat | OneFootball

Manchester United fans have shown their true colour by offering their support for the inconsolable Joshua Zirkzee.

The Dutchman joined the Red Devils last summer on a deal worth circa £37 million, but endured a rough start to life at Old Trafford. The unconventional striker struggled to find himself in the tactical plans of his compatriot Erik ten Hag, while the arrival of Ruben Amorim threatened to put a swift end to his time at the club, especially with Juventus offering him a January reunion with his old Bologna boss Thiago Motta.

Many believed Zirkzee’s time at Carrington was all but over when a section of the Old Trafford home supporters cheered him off the pitch while being hauled off in the middle of the first half against Newcastle. The devastated striker headed straight to the tunnel before making his way back to the dugout a few minutes, obviously upon the request of club officials.

Nevertheless, the Netherlands international showed his resilience and determination, as he managed to gradually win the Red Army’s favour. While his scoring charts remain mediocre, the 23-year-old has been appreciated for his technical skills and gutsy displays. He also emerged as the ultimate hero by scoring the decisive spot-kick against Arsenal in the FA Cup third round.

Man Utd fans stick by Joshua Zirkzee at his darkest moment

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

But as fate would have it, Zirkzee would be the one to miss the final penalty kick as United’s title-defence ended with fifth-round defeat against Fulham. The former Bologna striker’s attempt was too tame, so Bernd Leno easily caught it to seal victory for the West Londoners.

A few seconds later, the Dutchman was on the ground lamenting his luck, while some of his teammates gathered around him to offer him support. Nevertheless, the most interesting reaction came from the stands, as a large section of Man Utd fans were heard signing the player’s name, as reported by The Mirror.

Instead of succumbing to despair following yet another disappointing result, these supporters realised a player was in dire need of an emotional boost, so their first reaction was to put their sorrow aside and voice their support to the distraught star.

This classy action is a fitting atonement for the unsavoury scenes witnessed last December, so we can expect Zirkzee to repay the Reds for their backing by wearing his heart on his sleeve in his next outings.