Amorim Must Axe Højlund & Start Man Utd “Monster” in a Brand New Role
If Manchester United are serious about turning their fortunes around under the potential stewardship of Rúben Amorim—or any forward-thinking manager—they must be prepared to make bold, perhaps even controversial, decisions. And one of the biggest could be dropping Rasmus Højlund from the starting XI and reinventing a current star in a new and potentially transformative role.
The man who deserves that chance? Marcus Rashford—a player who has proven he can be a game-changer when used correctly and, when in the right headspace, possesses the qualities of an outright “monster” on the pitch. Amorim, renowned for tactical flexibility and player development at Sporting CP, could be the manager to unlock a different level from Rashford by reimagining his role—and doing so might come at the expense of the struggling Højlund.
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The Højlund Conundrum
There’s no denying Rasmus Højlund’s raw potential. The 21-year-old Danish striker arrived at Old Trafford with promise and hype following a breakout spell at Atalanta. His strength, pace, and willingness to run the channels have all been on display at times. But for long spells of the 2024–25 season, he has struggled to influence games consistently—especially against deep, compact defences.
Højlund’s limitations are not necessarily a reflection of his talent, but more of his tactical fit. He thrives in transition-heavy matches with space to exploit, but United—particularly at home—are often tasked with breaking down teams sitting deep. In these games, Højlund’s off-the-ball movement can be nullified, and his link-up play remains a work in progress.
What Amorim must recognize is that persistence with a system or player not suited to the game plan can stall progress. If United are to play modern, possession-based, dynamic football, a more complete forward may be required—and Rashford, if re-motivated and restructured, could be that man.
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Rashford: From Winger to False Nine?
Marcus Rashford has long been seen as a left winger, and to be fair, his best goal-scoring seasons have come from that position. However, inconsistency and poor form plagued much of his 2024–25 campaign. Criticized for a perceived lack of effort and focus, Rashford became a polarizing figure. Yet despite the downturn, there remains a uniquely gifted player within him—one with devastating pace, elite finishing at his best, and a physicality that frightens defenders.
Under Amorim, who favors tactical innovation and player repositioning, Rashford could thrive in a new central role—not as a traditional No. 9, but as a false nine or hybrid forward, similar to how Roberto Firmino functioned under Klopp or how Pedro Gonçalves has been utilized at Sporting.
This role would allow Rashford to drop into pockets, link play, and then use his explosiveness to drive at defenders with the ball—something Højlund is still learning to do. Rashford’s improved passing range, when engaged, could allow others—like Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, or even a reinvigorated Jadon Sancho—to flourish around him.
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Amorim’s Tactical Blueprint: Why Rashford Fits
Amorim typically uses a 3-4-3 or a flexible 3-4-2-1 system, built on fluid attacking movements and high pressing. It’s a system that relies on intelligent forwards who can interchange positions, press effectively, and offer creativity in the final third.
Højlund’s pressing is energetic but often uncoordinated. Rashford, when focused, can be far more efficient in pressing triggers, and his ability to operate between the lines fits with Amorim’s need for spatial awareness. Most importantly, Rashford has the skillset to drop deep, link up play, and still stretch defences with blistering runs—qualities that can’t be fully utilized when he’s isolated on the left touchline.
With Rashford centrally, Garnacho and Amad could operate in the wide channels, creating a youthful, fast, and dangerous front three that suits Amorim’s high-tempo style. Bruno Fernandes could thrive with such movement around him, and Kobbie Mainoo would have more targets in advanced positions for his intelligent passes.
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Dropping Højlund Isn’t an End—It’s a Reset
Benching Højlund would not be a condemnation of his future. Rather, it’s a strategic reset. The Premier League demands adaptability, and Amorim could help Højlund develop off the pitch while easing the pressure of being the club’s lone striker.
A rotational role could benefit Højlund greatly. He can be used in games where his skill set—pace on the break, strength in aerial duels—is better suited. Additionally, coming off the bench could allow him to play with more freedom against tired defences.
Under Amorim’s guidance, and with a less demanding schedule thanks to Europa League football, Højlund can continue to grow, refine his decision-making, and become a better all-round striker in the long term.
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The Psychological Boost Rashford Needs
Rashford’s inconsistency has never been solely about talent—it’s about mentality and motivation. The faith shown in him by a new manager like Amorim, accompanied by a clear tactical plan that maximizes his strengths, could reignite the fire within him.
A central role, more involved in buildup play and goal-scoring opportunities, might help him rediscover the form that saw him net 30+ goals across all competitions in 2022–23. Amorim is known for his man-management and psychological awareness. Players like Pedro Gonçalves and Marcus Edwards have spoken highly of how he makes them feel valued and empowered—exactly what Rashford needs right now.
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United Need Results, Not Sentiment
Manchester United are entering a critical period in their post-Ferguson rebuild. Under INEOS, football decisions will need to be based on performance and long-term planning—not sentiment or price tags. Højlund may have cost £72 million, but that shouldn’t guarantee him a starting spot. Rashford may have come through the academy, but that shouldn’t exempt him from adaptation.
If Rúben Amorim wants to usher in a new era defined by flexibility, attacking flair, and ruthless efficiency, he must be willing to make bold calls. And one of the biggest could be reinventing Rashford as the central attacking figure while giving Højlund the space and time to develop without the crushing weight of expectation.
In this system, Rashford isn’t just a winger anymore—he’s a “monster” in the making, weaponized at the heart of United’s attack. Amorim ha
s reshaped careers before; he may just do it again at Old Trafford.
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