Manchester United will bounce back if they give me the kind of players I want – Ruben Amorim
One Manchester United insider has suggested that Ruben Amorim wants to replace an underperforming star at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have endured a disappointing season, with Rasmus Højlund emerging as one of the biggest underperformers.
The Danish striker arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2023, signing from Atalanta for £73 million. Despite a challenging debut campaign, he still managed to find the net 16 times across all competitions.
Following a promising first season, expectations were high for Højlund to push on, but the reality has been quite different under Ruben Amorim.
This season, he has managed just seven goals in all competitions, with only two coming in the Premier League. After 36 appearances, he is currently enduring a 19-game goal drought and calls are being made for him to be dropped for 17-year-old Chido Obi.
United insider says Amorim wants to replace Højlund
Manchester United’s former chief scout Mick Brown, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford, cannot believe Højlund’s lack of progression since arriving at the club.
Brown describes the 22-year-old’s situation as “alarming” and says that he has heard United want to replace him with a summer signing.
However, the ex-scout also believes that it would be difficult to sell Højlund when the season ends due to the high price United paid Atalanta in 2023.
“Since Amorim came in, he hasn’t shown any improvement to his game where you can think they’re clearly working with him on these issues,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He looks the same player he did when he came in two years ago, and that’s not good. It’s quite alarming, actually, because you expect to see some improvement from him.
“From what I hear, United are going to go out and sign a new striker in the summer because they don’t see Hojlund as somebody who is going to be up there long-term.
“The issue then, like I said, is the money they spent on him which means it’s unlikely they’ll be able to move him on if that’s what they wanted to do.”
Amorim’s system relies on in-form striker
On Thursday evening, and for a lot of the season, we have seen the negative effects on Amorim’s system when the striker is in poor form.
Diogo Dalot opted against squaring a simple ball for Højlund against Real Sociedad in Spain and the only explanation for his decision is that he doesn’t trust his Danish teammate right now.
It was certainly a poor mistake from Dalot but it is a trend we have seen at Old Trafford this term during Højlund’s poor form.
Teammates are not instantly looking for Højlund and that is a problem. Amorim’s entire Sporting team were geared around making chances for Viktor Gyökeres.
Højlund will likely not be the man leading the line at United next season, but whoever it is at the front, United’s players need to start obsessing over creating chances for that player.
Manchester United Will Bounce Back If They Give Me the Kind of Players I Want – Rúben Amorim
Rúben Amorim is one of the most highly regarded young managers in European football, and if he were to take charge at Manchester United, his statement that the club would bounce back if given the right players would hold significant weight. Manchester United have struggled with consistency, identity, and recruitment in recent years, and a manager like Amorim, with a clear philosophy and tactical vision, could be the key to reviving their fortunes. However, for him to succeed, he would need the right players to fit his system, something United have often failed to provide for their managers.
Amorim’s Tactical Philosophy and What He Would Need
Amorim has built his reputation at Sporting CP with a structured, attacking approach, often utilizing a 3-4-3 formation that emphasizes defensive solidity, quick transitions, and fluid attacking play. If he were to implement this at United, he would need a squad tailored to his vision, particularly in key areas where United have lacked quality and consistency.
1. A Ball-Playing Defensive Line
Amorim’s system relies on a solid back three that is comfortable playing out from the back. United’s current center-backs, such as Raphaël Varane and Lisandro Martínez, fit this mold, but more depth would be required. Amorim would likely demand a quick, composed center-back who can step into midfield when needed.
2. Dynamic Wing-Backs
Wing-backs are crucial in Amorim’s setup, providing width and attacking support. Luke Shaw is a natural fit on the left, but United would need a top-quality right wing-back to balance the team, as neither Diogo Dalot nor Aaron Wan-Bissaka excels in an advanced role.
3. A Controlling Midfield Duo
Amorim’s system requires midfielders who can dictate play, break up opposition attacks, and transition quickly. While Casemiro has experience, he is aging, and Amorim would need a more mobile defensive midfielder alongside someone like Kobbie Mainoo or Bruno Fernandes. A signing like João Neves or Manuel Ugarte could fit his system well.
4. Versatile and Intelligent Attackers
Amorim’s Sporting team thrives on fast, intelligent attacking play. Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho could be key assets, but United would need a clinical striker and a creative forward to complement them. Rasmus Højlund has potential, but Amorim might seek another forward to fit his tactical approach.
Why United Must Back Their Next Manager in the Market
United’s downfall in recent years has been their inability to fully support their managers with the right signings. If Amorim were to take charge, his demand for the “kind of players he wants” would be essential for success. Without proper recruitment, even the best tactical minds struggle—just as Erik ten Hag has faced issues with player profiles not fitting his system.
If Manchester United want to bounce back, they must learn from past mistakes, trust in Amorim’s vision, and invest wisely in the transfer market. If given the right tools, Amorim could be the man to restore United’s former glory.
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