It is no secret that Manchester United have some issues around Old Trafford and elements of their play are just not gelling. However, one area that is coming under scrutiny is the striker role. The 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund is the one who has come under the spotlight the most for United's lack of firepower at times. He is currently the number nine at Old Trafford but will new Head Coach Ruben Amorim decide if he is the one to lead his high-pressing side?
Since Hojlund arrived, he has been the leading striker under previous manager Erik ten Hag. Despite several injuries in his first two years with United, the young striker has not reaped the rewards he would have hoped in England. Arriving from Atalanta, United fans have taken to Hojlund's passion, hard work, selfless play and continuous persistence for the United effort even if he has not benefitted from it.
Currently in his second season at United, finishing with an FA Cup medal in his first, Hojlund has 12 league goals in all competitions to his name so far at Old Trafford. However, Hojlund has only 2 league goals in 17 appearances, which certainly is not a good return for a leading Manchester United striker. Even more worrying is the current form he is in as he last scored in the league over two months ago.
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This lack of form has led to scrutiny from several areas. The media, several fans and even the coaching staff have commented on how Hojlund needs to improve if he is to keep his number nine place. Having been dropped in favour of Joshua Zirkzee against Brighton & Hove Albion after a poor performance against Southampton, Amorim is not fully impressed with what he has seen from his Danish striker and will be wanting more.
At times Hojlund is too selfless and it is affecting his game as a main striker. Amorim wants the hard work but he needs the goals as well. Battling all game with a defender will take its toll as Hojlund likes to do but he needs to be quick with his runs, especially to the near post where he will find more success.
However, there are still many elements to Hojlund's game that are beneficial to Manchester United. His relentless pressing, as stated, battling with defenders in a hustle and his ability to score in Europe, which will surely translate to the Premier League soon enough, gives United some hope that Hojlund will be a success for the Red Devils. Not to forget, he is just 21 so he has got time on his side.
Hojlund, has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford already with United stating that they would listen to offers for him and AC Milan is rumoured to be looking at a possible loan move following a breakdown in talks for Hojlund's teammate Marcus Rashford.
Yet there is still an element that the tide will turn for Hojlund as United start to gel as the current issues are not just a Rasmus Hojlund issue but a squad issue. At times they do not play to the strength of the Denmark international and they need to get him more involved in the attacks as he makes his runs but the Dane needs to be more ruthless with his chances as they can be few and far between.
United spent a lot of money on the potential of Rasmus Hojlund and it seems likely that Amorim will want him around because of his eagerness up front. However, Hojlund needs to find the lethal touch he has in Europe and translate it into goals in the Premier League.
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