New Delhi: What an evening it was for Manchester United fans with Ruben Amorim’s first win with the side coming in the UEFA Europa League at Old Trafford. More than the win, the fans were delighted to see Rasmus Hojlund back on the scoresheet. A brace on either side of the halftime was enough for United to take a 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt.
For Amorim, the win means there is still hope while a glimpse of the work still required to be done with the side. The spotlight will be on Hojlund’s performance in the game and that will provide for some optimism. It was the way and the match situation under which the Danish striker scored that will stand out more.
His first goal was a sharp touch and a volley under immense pressure in the penalty area. The goal was crucial, with United trailing despite Alejandro Garnacho putting them ahead in the first minute of the match. Conceding twice within four minutes meant the score was 2-1 by the 23rd minute. By the 50th minute, Hojlund had scored his brace with a close-range shot and put United in the driver’s seat again.
One touch, BANG 🎯#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/3B5cxQ5hgz
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 29, 2024
Since taking charge of the side, Amorim has noted that United’s main trouble has been their inability to score. In the Premier League, they are 16th in terms of goal scoring, with just 13 goals this season. If Hojlund can start finding the back of the net consistently, that can ease up the situation at Old Trafford.
Under Erik ten Hag, the 21-year-old never got going for the side and there were questions if Hojlund fitted in the style of football that United were known for playing. However, fortunes have already turned in favour of Hojlund after Amorim has taken over. During the win at Old Trafford, he was served crosses into the box twice, first from Noussair Mazraoui and then by Manuel Ugarte.
Why Hojlund might find success under Amorim?
The style of Hojlund favours such crosses but never got them under Ten Hag. After the game, Amorim reflected that Hojlunnd had “improved the connection”. The Portuguese manager noted that Hojlund sometimes takes too many touches and holds the ball for a longer time. However, for Amorim’s success, the former Atalanta player is important for connecting and transitioning.
🔴🇩🇰 Amorim on Højlund: “He has to improve more, he takes to many touches when he holds the ball”.
“He connected in transitions very well. He was aggressive in the box for the goals. He is a quality player”. pic.twitter.com/sytDlBYvEK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 29, 2024
Most importantly, Hojlund does appear to be confident and himself has said that though the new formation requires time to adjust, he has played this style of play in Atalanta and likes to play in the 3-4-3 formation. This means that Hojlund is well-versed with the style of play and even cited interest in taking up more responsibilities in the season, taking the number nine.
In fact, during his sole season at Atlanta, his conversion rate of 16.67% was better than that of players like Lautaro Martinez playing the same formation. While his aerial duel stat read a decent 36%, he has come a long way since.
Amorim wants Hojlund to perform more consistently and his ninth goal in European competitions means the performance asked from him is set to be higher. While Amorim needs to work on United’s conceding numbers, Hojlund’s scoring figures could provide some respite for the 39-year-old manager.
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