Ruben Amorim advised to emulate Sir Alex Ferguson by promptly selling a Manchester United star.

Ben Foster has suggested that Ruben Amorim should take inspiration from Sir Alex Ferguson by selling Joshua Zirkzee during the January transfer window.

Zirkzee was substituted just 33 minutes into Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle, with Amorim bringing on Kobbie Mainoo to regain midfield control. The £36 million summer signing reacted poorly, initially heading straight down the tunnel before returning to watch the remainder of the match. Amorim defended the decision post-game, stating it was necessary, but Foster, who spent five years under Ferguson at United, believes the legendary manager would not have tolerated Zirkzee’s behavior.

“When he walked off down the tunnel… If Alex Ferguson were the manager, that player would have been done,” Foster commented on his YouTube channel. “If you leave the pitch and head straight to the dressing room after being subbed, you’re finished. It doesn’t work like that.”

Foster also emphasized that Zirkzee’s actions likely drew criticism from teammates in the dressing room, adding, “The cameras caught everything. It’s a bad look, especially when the fans are already upset.” While acknowledging the tense atmosphere at Old Trafford during the match, Foster noted Zirkzee was one of many underperforming players on the pitch.

The incident has added to scrutiny over Zirkzee’s struggles since joining United, where he has managed just four goals in 27 appearances. Reports suggest Italian clubs Juventus and Napoli are interested in the 23-year-old, with Juve potentially offering a reunion with former Bologna coach Thiago Motta. However, United are reportedly unwilling to part with Zirkzee so soon, with Marcus Rashford instead being linked to a January exit.

Amorim downplayed the controversy, stating, “Josh is a good lad. We’ll support him and move

forward.”