Following Manchester United’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town, club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has voiced his frustration over manager Rúben Amorim’s substitution choices. The former striker openly questioned why a key performer was taken off instead of Joshua Zirkzee, stating, “Why is Rúben Amorim subbing him out instead of Zirkzee? He was definitely better than Zirkzee during the match. He would have scored goals if the manager would just allow him to.”
The criticism comes amid ongoing concerns about Zirkzee’s form since his £36.5 million transfer from Bologna. The Dutch forward has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford, netting just one goal in 18 appearances. Meanwhile, the player who was substituted against Ipswich had been one of United’s most influential figures on the pitch, delivering an impressive performance that many believe warranted more time.
Amorim’s decision-making regarding substitutions has been a topic of debate before. In a previous match against Newcastle United, Zirkzee was withdrawn after only 32 minutes, a move that sparked discussion among fans and analysts. The manager defended the change, explaining that the team needed a different approach and that the player himself appeared to be struggling.
Despite Amorim’s justification, van Nistelrooy and others feel that consistently favoring an underperforming player over someone in better form could negatively impact the squad. With Manchester United gearing up for crucial matches ahead, the pressure is on Amorim to make tactical adjustments that reflect the squad’s current strengths. Supporters and club veterans alike will be watching closely to see if the manager adapts his strategy to ensure the team’s best performers are given the chance to shine.
