Ruben Amorim’s forward line drew another blank against Crystal Palace, with Manchester United experimenting in attack.
Old Trafford was shocked when Kobbie Mainoo started up front against the Eagles.
It was an experiment which spoke volumes about what Ruben Amorim thinks of Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund.
| Player | Games | Minutes | Goals | Assists | G/A per minute |
| Hojlund | 30 | 1686 | 7 | 1 | 210 |
| Zirkzee | 35 | 1370 | 4 | 2 | 228 |
Manchester United spent £108m on the current striker duo, yet neither has impressed Amorim or played their way into his plans.
Due to this, Amorim’s search for a striker solution will continue on Friday, when he should start a player up front for only the second time in his career.
Alejandro Garnacho should start up front vs Leicester
So with Mainoo up top last game, Amorim seems willing to try new things to solve the goal issue which has seen United score just 28 goals in the Premier League this season.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 13 |  Man UtdManchester United | 24 | 8 | 5 | 11 | 28 | 34 | -6 | 29 |
So against Leicester City, we think Alejandro Garnacho should be trialled leading the line.
It is a position Garnacho has played once before when he started as a ‘free-role’ striker in United’s 2-0 win over Everton last season – in which he won both penalties – but against Leicester, he should be the sole No.9.
This season, Garnacho has scored eight times already – along with eight assists – which is more than either natural striker, although has underperformed his expected goals.
Garnacho offers more upfront than Hojlund or Zirkzee with his link-up play, dribbling and chance creation. Additionally, the Argentine would be able to rotate and effectively make the front three fluid.
It is not ideal to use Garnacho here, but it could be better than the alternatives. Amorim could also double down on his verdict of Hojlund and Zirkzee by handing Chido Obi his debut – but not from the start.
Manchester United need Rasmus Hojlund to start scoring
If Garnacho is given the chance up front, it would be a real kick in the teeth for Hojlund and Zirkzee – but we would hope they use the snub as motivation.
Both strikers are young and have potential, but United need them right now.
As the goal-scoring struggles continue for the £108m pair, pressure is building on the shoulders of Obi to save the team within the fanbase.
Those who watch Obi know he is still raw and throwing a 17-year-old into this atrocious United side would almost be unfair.
So United need the senior strikers to kick on to allow Obi to develop without being rushed into the limelight.
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