Ruben Amorim’s start at Manchester United is a few days away but the players are already doing their homework to prepare themselves and Rasmus Hojlund is at the top of that list.
Rasmus Hojlund figures to be a key player in the Man Utd squad for the foreseeable future, with his place as a building block for the next great Manchester United firmly established.
Ruben Amorim would be excited to work with Hojlund due to his similarities with Viktor Gyokeres, who has turned into a serial goalscorer under the manager.
That type of leap is the ultimate dream but small steps need to be taken and Hojlund has already been asking his friends in the game what it’s like to work with him.
At the top of that list stands Morten Hjulmand, linked to Man Utd and Hojlund’s national teammate.
Rasmus Hojlund asked Morten Hjulmand about Ruben Amorim
Amorim has numerous success stories at Sporting Lisbon as he has turned many players into stars and unlocked a new level to their game.
The most high-profile ones are arguably Viktor Gyokeres and Morten Hjulmand who have gone from very good players to certified stars.
Hojlund revealed in an interview with Viaplay (via Tipsbladet) that he has asked Hjulmand about Amorim’s management and came away extremely impressed.
Hojlund said: “I’m really looking forward to it. Good ideas. I have seen how they play. I have spoken to Morten [Hjulmand] about it, and he is also very satisfied with the coach, so I am really looking forward to him setting foot here.
“[Hjulmand] just talked about cool ideas and a slightly different approach than he might be used to. From what I’ve seen so far, it’s a three-back chain, and it might be a little different from what I’ve been used to in the past. I am very much looking forward to working with a young and ambitious manager.”
Amorim can provide something ‘extra’ due to age: Hojlund
At 39, Amorim is set to be one of the youngest managers in the Premier League and the youngest manager United have gone for since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
In his short career, he has already built up a reputation as a serial winner in Portugal who promotes young talents, wins trophies, and commands the respect of the dressing room.
The spotlight at Old Trafford, however, is unlike any other club, and from that perspective, how he handles that at this stage of his career could decide the fate of his spell at the club.
Hojlund was asked about this factor and he said Amorim’s young age, instead of being a hindrance, could be an added bonus.
He said: “I think it is only good. He has an understanding of what the new, modern football is like. I don’t necessarily see it as a bad thing that he is young. On the contrary, it might even give something extra.”
Ultimately, winning cures everything, as seen with Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton who, at just 31, is already commanding the respect of the dressing room and the media as his side remains flying.
United is a whole different gravy but if Amorim can get a few wins under his belt to start off with, the buy-in from the players will be much quicker.
After the only remnant of the Glazer era got sacked, there are no hiding places for the players either. Amorim has to work.
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