“Why is Ruben Amorim subbing him out instead of Zirkzee?” – Ruud van Nistelrooy questions Manchester United manager after Ipswich clash.

Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town was supposed to be a moment of celebration, but club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has instead directed sharp criticism at manager Ruben Amorim over his substitution decisions. The former United striker took issue with Amorim’s handling of a key player, arguing that the decision to remove him instead of Joshua Zirkzee was baffling.

“Why is Ruben Amorim subbing him out instead of Zirkzee? He was definitely better than Zirkzee during the match. He would have scored goals if the manager would just allow him to,” van Nistelrooy said, making his frustration clear. His remarks highlight growing concerns among fans and pundits about Amorim’s tactical decisions and his handling of player selections.

Zirkzee, who joined Manchester United in the summer from Bologna for £36.5 million, has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford. Despite his high price tag, the Dutch forward has managed only one goal in 18 appearances, leading to doubts over whether he can truly lead United’s attack. Meanwhile, the player Amorim substituted was instrumental in the Ipswich match, displaying exceptional movement and creativity that contributed significantly to the team’s attacking rhythm.

The debate over Amorim’s decision-making has been ongoing, with many questioning his judgment. Earlier this season, Zirkzee was hooked after just 32 minutes against Newcastle, a move that was heavily scrutinized. Amorim defended his choice at the time, explaining, “You have to think about the team, and also sometimes about the player as the player was suffering. I felt the team was suffering and needed another midfielder, that’s it.”

Despite his explanation, Amorim’s handling of Zirkzee continues to raise eyebrows. Many fans believe that the Dutch striker is being given undue preference over more effective players, and van Nistelrooy’s comments have only added fuel to the fire. The concern is that favoritism, rather than form, is dictating selection decisions at United, something that could prove costly in the long run.

This issue has come at a critical time for Manchester United. With the team still fighting for a spot in the top four and looking to make a deep run in the FA Cup, every decision by Amorim is being closely scrutinized. His substitutions, in particular, have become a major talking point among supporters who believe that United should be prioritizing players who are delivering results on the pitch.

Van Nistelrooy is not the only club icon to weigh in on Amorim’s decisions. Other former players have voiced their concerns about how the team is being managed, particularly when it comes to squad rotation and tactics. The growing dissatisfaction could put additional pressure on Amorim, who is already dealing with high expectations in his first season at Old Trafford.

The situation has also intensified discussions about United’s transfer strategy. With Zirkzee failing to impress, questions are being asked about whether United should look for a more prolific striker in the upcoming transfer window. While Amorim remains confident in his squad, the club’s supporters are losing patience, especially given the high stakes of the season.

Zirkzee’s struggles mirror a broader issue at Manchester United. Over the years, the club has spent heavily on attacking players, but few have truly lived up to expectations. From Romelu Lukaku to Jadon Sancho, United has a history of big-money signings failing to deliver. If Zirkzee continues on his current trajectory, he may find himself added to that unfortunate list.

As United prepares for its next set of fixtures, Amorim will have to make some difficult choices. Will he continue to back Zirkzee despite his poor form, or will he finally give other players the opportunities they deserve? The pressure is mounting, and every decision he makes from now until the end of the season could define his tenure at the club.

Supporters are growing impatient, and the criticism from van Nistelrooy reflects a sentiment shared by many within the fanbase. They want to see a team that plays with urgency, intensity, and, most importantly, effectiveness in front of goal. The frustration is not just about Zirkzee—it’s about the broader issues that have plagued United’s attack for years.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Manchester United. If Amorim fails to get his tactics right, the pressure could become unbearable. The club is at a crossroads, and how they navigate the rest of the season could determine their long-term trajectory.

For now, all eyes are on Amorim and his decision-making. He must find a way to get the best out of his squad, or risk further backlash from fans, pundits, and former players alike. United cannot afford to continue making the same mistakes that have haunted them in recent years.

The manager’s next move will be telling. Will he stick with underperforming players out of stubbornness, or will he adapt and prioritize those who can truly make a difference? The answer to that question could define Manchester United’s season.

The battle for success at Old Trafford is as much about strategy as it is about talent. Amorim has the tools at his disposal, but whether he uses them correctly remains to be seen. For now, the debate rages on, and van Nistelrooy’s criticism is just the latest chapter in United’s ongoing saga.