Manchester United have been beaten 4-1 by Newcastle United in a major blow for Ruben Amorim ahead of facing Lyon.
The Europa League may be Manchester United’s focus, but Sunday’s Premier League defeat to Newcastle United stings.
Alejandro Garnacho equalised after Sandro Tonali’s opener, but that was about as good as it got for United.
Harvey Barnes’ brace and a Bruno Guimaraes goal from an Altay Bayindir mistake handed United a 4-1 defeat on Tyneside.
United drew 2-2 with Lyon on Thursday night, squandering a victory late in the day due to an Andre Onana fumble.
The last few days have been incredibly frustrating for United, and Sunday was the worst possible preparation for facing Lyon again this week – in more ways than one.
Ruben Amorim on Joshua Zirkzee injury
Not only did United leak four goals in another troubling display, but there was also a new injury problem for Amorim to digest.
Joshua Zirkzee picked up an injury at St. James’ Park and was immediately substituted in favour of Rasmus Hojlund.
The Dane has struggled of late and didn’t really make an impact as United fell to a heavy defeat.
Zirkzee’s injury didn’t look good, with the Dutchman appearing to suffer a hamstring problem as he left the pitch.
Speaking to beIN Sports after the final whistle on Tyneside, Amorim was asked whether there is any chance of Zirkzee facing Lyon on Thursday night.
Hamstring tweaks may not be a major injury, but pulls and tears can keep players out for a while.
Amorim responded by stating that Zirkzee is out against Lyon – and you have to think that his season may well be over.
“I think he’s out, I think he’s out – it’s clear,” said Amorim.
Joshua Zirkzee injury is a cruel blow
Zirkzee joined United from Bologna last summer with a £36million deal agreed.
The former Bayern Munich talent didn’t exactly shine in the early stages of his United career, even with a debut goal against Fulham.
Zirkzee has impressed of late, though, and he was at the heart of a brilliant move with Bruno Fernandes, almost opening the scoring for United against Newcastle.
Now emerging as United’s number 10 and arguably best striker too, Zirkzee was coming into form at the right time with United chasing Europa League glory.
If this injury is season-ending, it’s a cruel blow and a finale unbefitting of a player who has battled against major criticism to show his quality.
We can only hope for good news in the coming days, but Amorim’s early confidence that he won’t play on Thursday suggests that we may not see Zirkzee again this season.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/TqtSrU2