Manchester United were much improved for game two under Ruben Amorim, beating Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.
In particular, the second and third goals Manchester United scored were excellent and came with some disciplines Ruben Amorim has implemented already.
Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring for United as he was much better than at the weekend. This included a ‘magnificent’ moment from Garnacho which Amorim would have loved.
Following Bodo’s two-goal resurgence, it was Rasmus Hojlund who re-established the lead for Amorim, which clearly was a delight as he actually celebrated the equaliser.
Hojlund was arguably the biggest winner from the 3-2 United win as he firmly reminded Amorim of his ability and that he should be the No.9.
Ruben Amorim sent clear message by Rasmus Hojlund
When Amorim left both Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee on the bench against Ipswich, it looked like Marcus Rashford was the clear favourite to start up front under Amorim.
However, given the United No. 11’s latest performance, it now seems inconceivable that Amorim would drop him against Everton on Sunday.
Hojlund’s two goals were proper centre-forward goals which will undoubtedly have pleased Amorim after his gauntlet to his attackers on Wednesday.
Hojlund demonstrating he has that instinct in front of goal will go a long way in Amorim turning the Denmark international into his next Viktor Gyokeres.
More encouragingly than the goals though, will be Hojlund took Amorim’s critique of his pressing and inside the first minute on Thursday night, it was the pressing that forced an error which handed Garnacho the easiest goal he will ever score.
Amid all the talk about United needing a new £63m striker, Hojlund clearly disagrees.
Manchester United don’t need Viktor Gyokeres
Ever since Amorim was confirmed to be the next head coach at Old Trafford, the links to Gyokeres have been relentless, which did not bode well for the current crop of No.9s.
However, with a performance from Hojlund like that, the club will be reminded of the long-term potential invested in the Dane as he continues to show reasons to believe he will live up to his price tag.
16 goals last season proved this and despite a slow start due to injury this season, Hojlund could go on a run of scoring in this Amorim system considering the quality of chances being created.
Hojlund needs to improve, but with Amorim’s tutelage, the 21-year-old could end up better than Gyokeres and so perhaps a striker is not as needed as initially thought.
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