The survival guide after being booed by your own fans

Like Ian Keatley with Munster and Declan O'Sullivan with Kerry, there is a way back for Joshua Zirkzee about being booed by the Manchester United supporters.

REBOUNDING: Man Utd striker Joshua Zirkzee comes on for the final minutes of Sunday’s thrilling 2-2 draw against Liverpool - and almost set up the winner for Harry Maguire. Pic: Carl Recine/Getty Images

For Ian Keatley, it was on the phone with his mam. For Declan O’Sullivan, it was in his car. For Joshua Zirkzee, it was on the sideline. There comes a moment when the crushing realisation of what is happening assaults the ear. That noise is boos. They are aimed at you.

The Dutchman’s contorted face as jeers came his way felt like the start of a story with a desperately familiar ending. There was only 33 minutes on the clock in that Newcastle United tie, but time was still running out. Zirkee isn’t what they want him to be. For that transgression, he was abandoned by his supporters just when their support was needed most. Manchester United’s beleaguered summer signing found himself in one of the loneliest spots in the world of sport. He isn’t alone.