'It annoys me' - Bruno Fernandes slams treatment of Manchester United teammate

Bruno Fernandes was annoyed by some Manchester United fans booing Joshua Zirkzee when he was substituted in the first half against Newcastle at Old Trafford last week.

Zirkzee was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo after just 33 minutes against Newcastle and the forward faced a chorus of boos from his own supporters, which Gary Neville described as "brutal".

"I have to feel sorry for him," said Neville on commentary. "He has basically been cheered off by his own fans and that is brutal. I've not seen that too many times at Old Trafford. It's brutal."

Plenty of United supporters condemned the booing of the Dutchman after the final whistle.

Fortunately for Zirkzee, his name was chanted by the away section at Anfield when he warmed up on Sunday afternoon and he was serenaded again when he replaced Rasmus Hojlund.

The 23-year-old received a warm reception from the travelling United fans and Fernandes was asked about the booing of his teammate when he spoke with talkSPORT.

"I was in the stands and I had never seen anything like that, and it really frustrates and annoys me because he is a player who always gives everything he has," said Fernandes.

"He comes from another league and he needs time to adapt. He has enormous qualities. It is not normal to praise him after the first game of the season and then not believe in him anymore.

"We believe in him in the dressing room. I would have preferred to be in his place rather than see a teammate in this position."

United paid €42.5million (£36.5m) to sign Zirkzee from Bologna in the summer. Zirkzee was signed to score goals but he has netted just four times in all competitions.