'We believe in him!' - Bruno Fernandes launches staunch defence of Joshua Zirkzee as Man Utd captain left 'really annoyed' with fans who booed off £36 striker vs Newcastle

In United's 2-0 loss at home to Newcastle last month, forward Zirkzee was subbed off just after the half-hour mark. Some Red Devils fans at Old Trafford booed the Dutchman as he went down the tunnel, but after United's 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday, captain Fernandes has come to the aid of the £36 million (€42.5m/$46m) summer signing.

He told talkSPORT: "I was in the stands and have never seen something like this and it really frustrates me and annoys me because he is a player that always gives his all. As a player that is coming into the team from a different league he needs time to adapt but he has huge qualities. He hasn't shown all the quality but it can't be that from the first game of the season everyone was hyping him as one of the best strikers and now everyone doesn't believe in him anymore. We do believe in him inside the dressing room. I would rather be myself in this position against Newcastle and not seeing one of my team-mates in that position."

Although Fernandes' backing will have been welcomed by Zirkzee, the 23-year-old has failed to fire so far for United. A return of four goals and two assists in 28 appearances makes for grim reading. But perhaps the ex-Bologna man, who has been linked with a Juventus move, needs time to find his form at United.

Zirkzee, who impressed off the bench against Liverpool, will hope to get more game time next weekend when United travel to Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup.