Injury Blow For Manchester United As Zirkzee Limp Off Clouds Europa League Hopes
Manchester United’s preparations for a crucial Europa League quarter-final encounter against Lyon have been dramatically overshadowed by an untimely injury to their key striker, Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman, who has hit an impressive vein of form and become pivotal for Ruben Amorim’s side, limped off in clear distress during the Red Devils’ 4-1 defeat at Newcastle—leaving both the player and fans contemplating another setback in an already difficult season.
The injury struck midway through the second half at St James’ Park, moments after Zirkzee, 23, showed shades of his best with a piercing run, only to pull up suddenly, clutching his hamstring. His visible anguish on the pitch was met with immediate concern from both teammates and Newcastle players. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes personally helped him off, highlighting the striker’s growing influence in the squad. "Josh, I think he will be out for some games," Amorim conceded, delivering a sombre prognosis that now leaves United with a depleted frontline ahead of Thursday’s European fixture.
Rasmus Hojlund, who replaced Zirkzee on Sunday, is likely to assume the striking duties against Lyon – yet his own recent form, with just a single goal from his last 28 outings, raises uncomfortable questions about United’s attacking options. Complicating matters further, teenage striker Chido Obi is ineligible to play in Europe, narrowing Amorim's choices at a crucial juncture in the season.
The gravity of Zirkzee’s absence is underscored by his impact in the first leg against Lyon, where he scored one of United’s two goals in a 2-2 away draw—a result that now hangs in the balance. The prospect of approaching the return leg at Old Trafford without their in-form forward has intensified scrutiny on Amorim and his side, already bruised from the heavy Premier League defeat that saw them slip to 14th after being overwhelmed by a dominant Newcastle in the closing stages.
Amorim did not hold back after the final whistle, candidly laying blame on his players’ string of mistakes and lack of competitive edge. "Many mistakes and they were stronger in the second balls. They were the better team," he reflected to Sky Sports, emphasising that his squad must correct their failings before facing Lyon. The manager was firm on his stance towards criticism: "I understand it, I don’t care. Nothing is worse than losing games. People can say whatever they want."
Captain Bruno Fernandes struck a defiant tone in seeking to rally the squad and supporters: "On Thursday we go forward, we create a big atmosphere in our stadium, we need to be on the front foot and give everything we have because we want to get to the semi-final. In tough moments, we have done great performances against the biggest clubs. We are Man United, we have to step up and do everything to win the game."
Zirkzee’s progression in recent months has also fostered a new rapport with the United faithful. Previously jeered during a home defeat to Newcastle, Amorim lauded both the player’s resilience and the fans’ vital support: "Even if Josh is not playing, if you see every time he gets on the pitch or is just warming up our fans sing the Josh song. That is massive for the boy. So it’s 50-50. 50 per cent the fans and 50 per cent on the part of Josh."
As United brace for a continental showdown with Lyon, the loss of Zirkzee serves as both a stark alarm and a rallying cry. Can the Red Devils draw on their storied resilience and the noise at Old Trafford to seize a place in the semi-finals, or will this injury tip the balance in Lyon’s favour? Readers, what are your thoughts on United’s prospects without Zirkzee? Share your views in the comments below and spark the conversation as the tension mounts ahead of Thursday night.
