“Amorim could pull a Ten Hag by dropping Rasmus Højlund from the XI in Europa League final”
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Amorim Could Pull a Ten Hag by Dropping Rasmus Højlund from the XI in Europa League Final
As Manchester United prepare for their most important game of the season — the Europa League final — all eyes are on manager Rúben Amorim, whose tactical decisions in recent weeks have raised both eyebrows and expectations. One of the most discussed possibilities heading into the final is whether Amorim will bench star striker Rasmus Højlund, mirroring a bold move made by Erik ten Hag in the 2023 FA Cup final. That decision to leave Wout Weghorst out of the starting XI in favor of tactical flexibility was considered controversial — and Amorim now faces a similar dilemma.
The idea that Amorim might sideline Højlund in favor of a more fluid, dynamic front line is gathering momentum among insiders and fans alike. And though such a decision would be bold, it may also be based on hard tactical reasoning, form, and the specific challenges posed by United’s opponents in the final.
The Højlund Dilemma
Rasmus Højlund was brought in during the 2023 summer window with immense expectations. His £72 million price tag came with the assumption that he would be United’s long-term solution up front — a striker with the physical presence of a traditional No. 9 but with the pace and aggression to press from the front.
To his credit, Højlund has had flashes of brilliance. He finished the Europa League group stage as United’s top scorer and showed signs of forming a dangerous partnership with Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes. But as the season has progressed, his form has fluctuated. Injuries have hampered his momentum, and against top sides, he has sometimes looked isolated or ineffective when United fail to dominate possession.
In recent matches, Amorim — known for his tactical adaptability and strict attention to system balance — has experimented with a false nine setup and more mobile forward lines. That has resulted in improved build-up play and better pressing from the front. With the Europa League final looming, there’s growing speculation that Amorim may prioritize tactical flexibility over Højlund’s traditional striker profile.
The Ten Hag Parallel
The potential decision draws a clear parallel with Erik ten Hag’s move in the 2023 FA Cup final against Manchester City. Despite using Wout Weghorst consistently in the latter half of the season, Ten Hag chose to start Bruno Fernandes in a false nine role, prioritizing mobility and an extra body in midfield. The decision was meant to counter City’s ball dominance and pressing structure.
Though United ultimately lost that final 2-1, many analysts applauded the tactical bravery. The approach made United more compact and harder to break down — something Amorim may be eyeing if the final opponent is a technically dominant side like Bayer Leverkusen or Atalanta.
Amorim, like Ten Hag, is a coach unafraid of big decisions. During his tenure at Sporting CP, he routinely benched senior players if they didn’t suit the tactical setup for a specific match. That mindset is now being tested in one of the biggest games of his managerial career at United.
Tactical Logic Behind Benching Højlund
There are several reasons why Amorim might consider benching Højlund for the final:
1. Form and Confidence: Højlund’s goal drought in the past few weeks has raised questions about his confidence heading into the final. A forward struggling to find the net in crucial games can be a liability, especially in a match likely to be decided by fine margins.
2. Opponent’s Setup: If United are facing a high-possession side like Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, Amorim may opt for a front line capable of pressing and dropping into midfield — a task better suited to the likes of Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, or even Amad Diallo.
3. Midfield Control: In key European finals, control of the midfield is often decisive. Dropping Højlund could allow Amorim to add another technically adept player into midfield or attack, giving United a better chance of controlling tempo and transitions.
4. Impact Substitute Role: Højlund’s physicality and directness could be more valuable against tired defenders late in the match. Bringing him on in the 60th or 70th minute could offer a different attacking dimension, especially if United are chasing a goal.
Fan and Media Reaction
Unsurprisingly, the possibility of dropping Højlund has divided opinion. Some fans argue that you simply have to start your No. 9 in a final. “What message does that send if we bench our main striker?” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “This is the time for your best players to show up.”
Others, however, believe Amorim should trust his instincts and prioritize tactics over reputations. “It’s about winning the final, not pleasing egos. If dropping Højlund gives us more control or better defensive structure, do it,” another supporter commented on Reddit.
Pundits are similarly split. Former United striker Dimitar Berbatov said, “Højlund has all the attributes to be a top striker, but in finals, it’s not always about names—it’s about matchups and balance. Amorim needs to be ruthless.”
On the other hand, Rio Ferdinand warned that leaving out the young striker could hurt his confidence long-term. “These moments are what define a young striker. If you bench him now, it could set him back mentally. I’d back him to rise to the occasion.”
What Amorim Has Said
While Amorim has been tight-lipped in press conferences leading up to the final, he has dropped hints about valuing system over individuals. “We need to think about the game, not just the names. It’s a final, and the plan must come first,” he said when asked about team selection.
He’s also praised Højlund’s work ethic and commitment. “Rasmus gives everything in training. He wants to improve, and that’s all you can ask from a young striker.” However, he stopped short of guaranteeing him a starting place, leaving room for surprise on the final team sheet.
Possible XI Without Højlund
If Amorim decides to leave out Højlund, here’s how United could line up:
GK: André Onana
DEF: Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw
MID: Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo
ATT MID: Bruno Fernandes
WINGERS: Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford
STRIKER/False 9: Amad Diallo or Bruno Fernandes
This setup allows United to be more compact, maintain greater midfield control, and press more effectively from the front. Garnacho and Rashford offer explosive pace on the wings, while Bruno or Amad could drop deep to create overloads.
Conclusion
The Europa League final is more than just a shot at silverware—it’s a chance for Rúben Amorim to solidify his authority, establish his tactical identity, and make a statement about United’s direction. Dropping Rasmus Højlund would be a bold call, echoing Ten Hag’s controversial yet calculated FA Cup final decision a year prior.
Whether it pays off will depend on the result, but one thing is certain: Amorim is not afraid to shake things up in pursuit of glory. In football, fortune often favors the brave—and Amorim may need all the courage he can muster to deliver United their first European trophy in years.
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