A Manchester United player who arrived at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag has now spoken out about one key moment in their spell under manager Ruben Amorim.

Erik ten Hag inked a Manchester United contract extension last summer after Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos retained the Dutchman’s services at Old Trafford.

The 55-year-old former Ajax and United manager led the Red Devils to a lacklustre eighth place in the Premier League table in the 2023-24 campaign.

However, Ten Hag was able to sign the 2023-24 season at Old Trafford off on a high note after United beat Manchester City 2-1 in the 2024 FA Cup final at Wembley.

The Dutchman’s reign at the Premier League club came to an end in the 2024-25 campaign after United sacked Ten Hag following a poor start to the season.

Ten Hag’s Old Trafford exit paved the way for Ruben Amorim’s arrival at United last November after Ruud van Nistelrooy served a four-match run as interim manager.

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Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty ImagesPhoto by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty ImagesJoshua Zirkzee now opens up on his tough moment at Man Utd under Ruben Amorim after his summer transfer under Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag was backed in the 2024 summer transfer window and Joshua Zirkzee arrived as another attacking option for the Manchester United first-team squad.

United signed Joshua Zirkzee in a deal worth £36.54m from Serie A side Bologna in 2024 and the 23-year-old Dutch forward has been met with criticism this season.

Zirkzee, who is under contract until 2029, has scored only seven times and registered three assists in 48 matches for United in the current campaign.

The Netherlands international’s spell hit a low point after Ruben Amorim hooked Zirkzee off in the first half of United’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle last December.

Zirkzee was spotted heading straight down the tunnel after he was heckled while leaving the pitch before the United striker returned and took his place on the bench.

Speaking to Inside United, the ex-Bologna forward spoke about his ability to bounce back after what happened in United’s loss to Newcastle at Old Trafford.

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“Of course, it wasn’t the best period,” Zirkzee said, as per Manchester United’s official website.

“We all know what happened and for the fans to stand behind me, like they did back then, was maybe even a relief.

“For them to show that they’re not giving up on me. To just show that they’re still behind me. As I said before, it just motivates you a lot. It motivates you.

“I think we’ve seen, against Real Sociedad, when we got 1-0 behind, the fans just kept going.

“That atmosphere that they can create, it’s something you won’t find anywhere else on this planet.

“It’s amazing what people on the outside of the pitch can do for the people on the pitch as well.”

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim drops major Man Utd update on four players ahead of Lyon clash, one ‘tough’ key figure ‘will return’

Ruben Amorim provides a major injury update for Joshua Zirkzee after Man Utd’s defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park

Joshua Zirkzee was forced off in the second half and Amorim replaced him with Rasmus Hojlund in the second half of United’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday.

Following on from United’s loss in the Premier League to Newcastle at St James’ Park, Amorim confirmed that Zirkzee is out of action for the rest of the season.

“Joshua is out for the season,” Amorim said at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, as per the Manchester Evening News.

“He is not going to play anymore this season. We must prepare him for next season.

“It is hard for any player to stop, but it’s football. He has to be ready to recover.”

United will return to action on Thursday against Lyon at Old Trafford, with the second-leg Europa League quarter-final tie slated for an 8pm kick-off time in the UK.