The idea behind Manchester United’s recruitment in the attacking positions was, largely, to create a rather complementary frontline.
An attack not with like-for-like players fighting for the same position, but one made up of contrasting talents with different skill-sets to be called upon depending upon the game state and the nature of the opposition.
It was a point Erik ten Hag was keen to make when Man United completed the £34 million signing of Joshua Zirkzee back in July.
The second young attacker to arrive at Old Trafford in the space of a year from Italian football, Zirkzee was brought in alongside Rasmus Hojlund because, together, the Dutchman and the Dane would give Manchester United a dedicated lock-picker as well as the blunt force ferocity of the former Atalanta powerhouse.
As far as new Denmark boss Brian Riemer is concerned, meanwhile, the chance to pick between Hojlund and a more cerebral option in the shape of Kasper Dolberg should prove to be equally beneficial in the long-term.
New Denmark boss delighted to have Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund
Speaking ahead of Friday’s UEFA Nations League clash with European champions Spain – Riemer’s first game in the dugout – the former Anderlecht boss could hardly be more complimentary about the frontline he inherits from Kasper Hjulmand.
“It is fantastically positive that we in Denmark have two such strong strikers,” Riemer tells reporters during his midweek press conference.
“They [Hojlund and Dolberg] are two types with very different skills.”
One of Riemer’s first tasks, however, will be to get Hojlund scoring again on the international stage.
While Man United’s number nine has only two goals in 12 club appearances in 2024/25, his most recent Denmark strike came against the minnows of San Marino thirteen months ago.
A barren run of 10 games.
Ruud van Nistelrooy tips Hojlund to become a striking superstar
Man United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy saw enough in Hojlund during their brief spell together at Old Trafford to suggest that the Dane can yet join the pantheon of Red Devils striking greats.
“[Hojlund must] stay calm and believe in himself. Believe in his qualities like I do, like his teammates do,” Van Nistelrooy said when asked how Hojlund can unleash his true potential in United colours.
“He is young. He is promising. The work he is putting in will pay off. I am confident in that.
“Most goals are scored in the penalty area, so that is where we want to get our players as much as we can,” added Van Nistelrooy, who’s Old Trafford departure was confirmed on Monday as Amorim touched down in England’s north west.
“But it depends on the game. When its needed for him to hold-up and get players into third-man positions, he does a brilliant job as well.
“And he is a guy who can change a game in a second.”
Interestingly, Riemer was the Anderlecht boss when the Belgian giants tried to sign Christian Eriksen from Manchester United over the summer.
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