Joshua Zirkzee has endured a difficult period at Manchester United in the last few months but that was taken to a new level on Monday night.

The Netherlands international was victim of a first-half substitution from Ruben Amorim during the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United. The Portuguese boss introduced Kobbie Mainoo in the 33rd minute which prompted jeers from the home fans.

He grabbed his coat from the dugout and was seen heading down the tunnel before returning to the United bench, moments later. With the start to his United career has been far from what he would have hoped for, his former coach Thiago Motta reportedly wants to offer him an escape route.

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Tuttosport (via Juvefc) have reported that Zirkzee remains the 'first name' on Motta's wishlist but whether a move on loan or permanent transfer happens in the New Year, remains to be seen. Here, MEN Sport takes a deeper dive into Zirkzee's situation.

Zirkzee reaction

According to beIN Sports and Sky Germany, the 23-year-old was seen in tears in the tunnel after he was replaced by Mainoo in the 33rd minute. He was jeered by United fans.

Moments later, he returned to the United bench, clutching a water bottle.

Amorim's opinion

Asked about his decision after the game, Amorim told Sky Sports: "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.

"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, and that's the most important thing. He's a really good lad, so you'll have the support and you will prepare the next game.

"It's some moments, and you have some examples like Harry Maguire, that have some tough moments, but that is life in every profession. So we will support Josh and continue because, like I said, Newcastle were a better team. Was not better than Josh, was better than Manchester United."

Meanwhile, United icon Gary Neville admitted feeling sorry for the Dutch striker. "I actually feel sorry for him, I really do," he said. "I know that he's earning a lot of money here but there is a human being in there that's basically being cheered off by his own fans and that is brutal. I've not seen that too many times at Old Trafford in the 43 years that I've been coming here."

United's next steps

It is hardly Zirkzee's fault that United opted to spend £36.5million on him and hand the forward a five-year deal. Many said in the summer that he wasn't the answer for United and all evidence so far, have been proven right.

There are certainly alarms bells that the Netherlands international isn't going to be a long-term fixture at Old Trafford. He was at the top of the shopping list when it came to forwards this summer because he had a reasonable release clause.

With United needing to sell to buy in January, it wouldn't come as a surprise if the club let Zirkzee go if a reasonable bid arrives. He already has admirers at Juventus with his former Bologna coach Motta keen to get a deal over the line.