Ruben Amorim told Man Utd star ‘will never trust or respect him’

In an effort to change the game’s dynamics, Amorim replaced Joshua Zirkzee in the 33rd minute.

Since joining the club last summer, Zirkzee has not lived up to expectations and has been linked with a potential move away just months after signing, with reports shedding light on his feelings about his future.

Explaining his decision to substitute the Dutch player, Amorim said: “You have to think about the team and also sometimes about the player because the player is suffering.

“I was there a few years ago and I know that he wants it because I saw it during the week. That is the more important thing and he’s suffering during the game.

“I felt the team was suffering and needed another midfielder to have more and then we started to have more ball with Kobbie Mainoo.

“But it was really, really tough on me to do that and I talked with Josh about that because it’s important to express the message.

“But I’m always thinking about the team and, in that moment, it was important for the team [for] Josh [to] go out.”

Former West Ham United and Aston Villa player Nigel Reo-Coker believes Zirkzee has ‘lost all respect’ for Amorim after the manager’s cut-throat substitution.

“It’s a tough experience for a player and a tough pill that Ruben Amorim will have to swallow,” Reo-Coker told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“As a player, when you go through a moment like that, you need to think about the human element.

“He will look at Ruben Amorim and never trust him again. He will be able to look at him and say ‘good morning boss’ but he will not have any respect for him deep down.

“It’s an admission from Amorim that he got the team wrong.

“He’s going to have to try to fix the relationship because he will probably have to go back to him at some point and get him back on side and wanting to play and compete..”

Zirkzee has played 26 matches in all competitions this campaign, scoring four goals.

It remains to be seen whether he’ll play against Liverpool on Sunday.