Ex-Chelsea star Joe Cole believes that Angel Di Maria's troubled spell at Old Trafford is a warning to Manchester United match-goers about the perils of jeering Joshua Zirkzee.

Zirkzee was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo just after the 30-minute mark on Monday night against Newcastle. As he left the field, there was audible jeers from some home supporters - followed by a spattering of boos as the Dutch forward made his way to the substitutes bench.

Once there, he picked up a coat and headed to the tunnel before emerging a few minutes later to watch the rest of the match from the dugout. That was a new low for Zirkzee - in what has been a difficult few months at United - and it was hard not to feel sympathy for the 23-year-old.

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Speaking to Paddy Power, Cole admitted that he understood the reasons behind United fans' angry outburst, but insisted that the atmosphere created by the fans could be holding some players back. "Whether the fans were out of order for booing Joshua Zirkzee depends on your view on football," he said.

"The fans pay their money, they work very hard in the week and get to express themselves at the weekend. As a footballer, you're a professional - but first and foremost, you're a performer.

"I wouldn't do it, and I wouldn't want my kids to do it, but it comes down to how the fans feel - and Zirkzee will need to deal with it. What I would say to the Manchester United fans is to remember Angel Di Maria.

"He's probably been one of the best players of the past 15 years outside of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but he came to Manchester United, and he looked like he never played football before. As a fan-base, the environment you set can help a player either thrive or die.

"Joshua Zirkzee is a young lad and his future is bright, but there's been so many players over these past few years who have gone to Manchester United [and failed]. I understand the fans booing Zirkzee - I wouldn't chastise them for that.

"For Zirkzee, it's a harsh lesson - will he sink or swim? He's in the corner bobbing and weaving now - if I was his family, I would tell him to work harder in training, keep up the positive body language and then - when you get your chance - take it."