Ruben Amorim Not Giving Up on Rasmus Hojlund, ‘Better Days’ to Follow Dire Chelsea Performance
In football, the scrutiny faced by young talents is often unforgiving. One moment they are hailed as the next big thing, the next they are the focal point of criticism. Rasmus Højlund, Manchester United’s 21-year-old striker, finds himself amid such a storm following a frustrating performance in United’s dismal 4-3 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Despite the harsh spotlight, incoming manager Ruben Amorim has made it clear: he is not giving up on the Danish international.
The Sporting CP boss, who is widely tipped to take over from Erik ten Hag in the summer, has privately and publicly voiced his belief in Højlund’s long-term value to Manchester United. While nothing is signed, Amorim is reportedly preparing for the United job, and Højlund features prominently in his plans.
A Game to Forget
The loss to Chelsea was a bitter pill for United fans. Defensive lapses, a lack of midfield control, and attacking misfires plagued the Red Devils throughout the night. Rasmus Højlund, in particular, drew sharp criticism for his inability to make an impact in the final third. His movement was subdued, link-up play disjointed, and finishing chances either failed to materialize or went begging.
Fans on social media were quick to pile on the criticism, questioning whether United had overpaid for a player still learning the ropes in one of the world’s most demanding leagues. It was a sobering reminder that potential, while exciting, needs patience and structure to flourish.
Amorim’s Belief in Potential
Ruben Amorim, however, is not ready to cast aside a talent like Højlund over one night. Sources close to the Portuguese tactician suggest he sees Højlund as an ideal striker for the type of dynamic, high-pressing, and vertical football he intends to bring to Old Trafford.
Amorim is no stranger to nurturing young talent. At Sporting, he developed the likes of Pedro Gonçalves, Gonçalo Inácio, and Nuno Mendes, blending youth and experience into a title-winning side. His ability to manage personalities and instill confidence in emerging stars is one of the reasons United’s board is so keen on his services.
“He’s a young striker still finding his feet in English football. One bad game doesn’t define him,” Amorim reportedly told his close aides. “Better days will come.”
Tactical Fit Under Amorim
Rasmus Højlund’s profile aligns well with Amorim’s footballing philosophy. The Danish forward thrives in high-tempo systems where quick transitions and aggressive pressing are central themes. At Atalanta, Højlund flourished under Gian Piero Gasperini’s intense style, netting nine goals in Serie A and catching the eye of Europe’s elite.
Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system could rejuvenate Højlund by providing him with greater service and positional clarity. With wing-backs stretching play and attacking midfielders drawing defenders, Højlund would likely find more space in the box — space that has been lacking under Ten Hag’s often labored and inconsistent attacking patterns.
Moreover, Amorim is a coach who emphasizes rhythm and pressing cohesion. These attributes often bring out the best in forwards who are willing runners and team-first players — characteristics that Højlund embodies despite his current struggles.
The Weight of Expectation
Signed for £72 million in the summer of 2023, Højlund’s transfer came with significant expectations. Many viewed him as the long-term answer to United’s search for a traditional No. 9 after years of experimentation with aging or stop-gap forwards.
He began his Champions League campaign with impressive performances, scoring five goals in the group stage. However, his Premier League form has been more inconsistent. As with many young strikers, periods of drought can become mental barriers, especially under the pressure cooker environment of Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim’s empathetic man-management could be the antidote to Højlund’s current confidence issues. Rather than benching or scapegoating the striker, Amorim is likely to work on rebuilding his mental resilience and tactical awareness — much like he has done with strikers at Sporting.
Squad Evolution Ahead
While Amorim’s arrival is not officially confirmed, behind-the-scenes planning is already underway at Manchester United. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, which now has significant control over football operations, has identified a need for a coherent sporting strategy. Amorim, just 39, represents a modern football mind who can provide a long-term vision.
Højlund, within that vision, is considered a foundational piece. With expected departures in the squad — including Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho, and potentially even Bruno Fernandes — Amorim could shape the next phase of United’s identity around a younger, more adaptable core.
The hope is that with the right coaching, consistency in team selection, and a defined tactical approach, Højlund can evolve from a raw prospect into a reliable goalscorer.
Learning from the Legends
Manchester United has a storied history of nurturing young forwards. From the Class of ’92 to the rise of Marcus Rashford, the club has long believed in giving youth a platform. However, not all development paths are linear.
Wayne Rooney, for example, experienced spells of inconsistency despite his brilliance. Cristiano Ronaldo took seasons before fully unlocking his potential. Højlund, similarly, may require time and a more supportive tactical environment.
If Ruben Amorim is given the reins and the runway, he may well be the right figure to shepherd Højlund through this vital stage of development.
Conclusion: A Striker Worth Believing In
Rasmus Højlund’s performance against Chelsea was disappointing — of that, there is no doubt. But it’s in such moments of adversity that true managerial belief matters. Ruben Amorim’s backing could be pivotal not just for the striker’s form, but for the broader evolution of Manchester United.
Better days may not come immediately, but they are far from a fantasy. If Amorim is appointed, and Højlund buys into his vision, the Dane might yet become a cornerstone of a new-look Manchester United — one built not on panic, but on patience and purpose.
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