Ruben Amorim offers brutal verdict on Joshua Zirkzee's chances of facing Lyon in Europa League after Man Utd star is forced off against Newcastle

United's misery continued in the Premier League as they suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Sunday. Harvey Barned scored a brace, while Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes were also on target for the Magpies as they registered a thumping win at home and claimed fourth position in the league table.

Things worsened for the Premier League giants when star striker Joshua Zirkzee limped off the pitch in the 55th minute after he was seen clutching the back of his leg. While the extent of the Dutch forward's injury is yet to be determined, manager Amorim delivered a two-word verdict on the player's condition after the match as he told reporters: "Zirkzee vs. Lyon? I think it’s over."

Zirkzee's injury comes as a huge blow, as the player was one of the top performers in the team in Sunday's clash until he was forced off the pitch. The 23-year-old had also scored the equaliser in the Red Devils' 2-2 draw against Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier earlier this week.

Amorim is likely to start Rasmus Hojlund as the team's No.9 in the second leg at home against Lyon on Thursday, with Zirkzee looking to have no chance of playing.