Gary Neville has offered his sympathy towards Joshua Zirkzee while also slamming Manchester United for their first-half display during the Premier League showdown with Newcastle.

The Reds found themselves 2-0 down after less than 20 minutes at Old Trafford on Monday - with the Magpies outplaying Ruben Amorim's side. With United being outrun in midfield, Amorim made the decision to substitute striker Zirkzee - who was one of several players struggling.

Zirkzee's substitution for Kobbie Mainoo was met with loud cheers by some home fans with the Dutch forward subsequently putting on a coat before disappearing down the tunnel. Zirkzee later emerged to sit on the bench.

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And ex-United captain Neville has shared his immediate reaction to Zirkzee's humiliating outing against Eddie Howe's side at M16.

"He's subbing Zirkzee. I actually feel sorry for him, I really do," Neville said while commentating for Sky Sports.

"I know he is earning a lot of money, but there's a human being in there that is basically being cheered off by his own fans, and that is brutal. I have not seen that too many times at Old Trafford in the 43 years I've been coming here if at all happen actually."

Neville added: "He has had enough, and I don't blame him. I hope that some of the fans down there actually give him a little something.

"He's not played well, let's be clear, but they're all been absolutely awful. You are watching the worst pound-for-pound football team in the country out there in red shirts."