Rasmus Hojlund has found himself in a challenging position, having failed to score in his last 19 games. His frustration boiled over during a recent match against Real Sociedad when teammate Diogo Dalot failed to pass to him during a critical opportunity. This internal friction has caught the attention of manager Ruben Amorim, who has urged his team to stop "fighting" amongst themselves. Amorim expressed disappointment over the missed chance against Sociedad, emphasizing the need for collaboration to overcome their scoring issues.
United's struggles in front of goal set a challenging backdrop for Amorim, who is tasked with steering a team that has been underperforming. The manager is also dealing with limited options due to the failure to register promising teenage striker Obi for the Europa League squad. Despite Obi's impressive performance off the bench during the weekend, he was unavailable for the Europa League clash but is expected to push for an opportunity against Arsenal.
Challenges in Scoring
Rasmus Hojlund's inability to find the back of the net has been a significant talking point, particularly after his visible frustration with Dalot's decision-making during a key moment against Real Sociedad. Amorim acknowledged the situation, highlighting the need for better decision-making on the field.
"It was a clear situation. Rasmus did really well, Dalot did really well, the decision was not the best," Amorim remarked.
The manager is acutely aware of the scoring challenges his team faces and is determined to address these issues head-on. With Real Sociedad's high defensive line and pace, United needs to capitalize on every opportunity to improve their standing.
Amorim has also expressed that his players are anxious to score and win games, which can sometimes lead to less-than-ideal decisions on the pitch.
"One thing that I'm sure, they are really anxious to score goals and to win games, so they are all doing their best. Sometimes they want to do the best, but they are not deciding the best way in that position."
Limited Options and Rising Talents
The team's scoring woes are compounded by Amorim's limited options due to squad registration issues. The absence of 17-year-old striker Obi from the Europa League squad has been a setback. Obi, who has shown glimpses of potential in his brief Premier League appearances, impressed off the bench over the weekend and is vying for a chance to prove himself against Arsenal.
The manager's hope rests on integrating young talent like Obi into the team to provide fresh energy and new scoring avenues. As Obi continues to push for more opportunities, his development could play a crucial role in United's future success.
Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee provided a glimmer of hope with a much-needed goal against Real Sociedad. Despite it being only his second goal of 2025, Zirkzee's performance earned praise from Amorim.
"He's trying really hard. He gave everything, he made the runs. We know that Real Sociedad has a high line and he uses his pace to win, to fight."
Amorim’s recognition of Zirkzee's efforts underscores the importance of perseverance and resilience within the team.
The Road Ahead
Amorim faces an uphill battle as he navigates United through their current form. With their Europa League progress crucial for securing a Champions League spot, each game carries immense weight. The pressure on the players and management is palpable, as they strive to turn around their fortunes.
The upcoming fixture against Arsenal will be another test for United, where they hope to showcase improvements and regain momentum. Obi's potential involvement could offer a new dimension to their attack, providing Amorim with more options up front.
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