Ruben Amorim Faces Challenge to Revive Manchester United Attack

The appointment of Ruben Amorim as the new head coach of Manchester United comes with high expectations. The 39-year-old faces the challenge of revitalizing a team that has struggled to achieve a consistent attacking flow. Known for his ability to develop players and maximize their potential, Amorim's primary challenge will be to engage the skills of £72m signing Rasmus Højlund, who has yet to produce the goals that United urgently requires.

During Erik ten Hag's tenure, United has experienced an erratic offensive strategy, managing to score just 12 goals in their first 11 Premier League games. For a club of United’s caliber, such a lack of productivity is unacceptable, and this discrepancy is central to the challenges that Amorim must tackle. Although the defense has been solid, the team's struggle to penetrate opposing defenses and create consistent goal-scoring opportunities has left the Red Devils faltering in the attacking third.

When it comes to individual contributions, Alejandro Garnacho leads Manchester United in league scoring with just three goals, a figure that hardly signifies the attacking prowess expected from a team of their stature. In their summer transfer strategy, United aimed to strengthen their forward line; however, the signing of Joshua Zirkzee has not resolved the ongoing scoring issues. While Zirkzee offers versatility, he lacks the clinical finishing required by the team.

The focus, however, is primarily on Højlund, the £72m summer acquisition from Atalanta. The Danish forward was viewed as the solution to United’s attacking dilemmas, and his hefty price tag underscored the club’s aspiration to secure a reliable goal-scorer for the future. Højlund had an impressive season in Italy, scoring 16 goals across all competitions, with 10 of those in Serie A. Unfortunately, after a sluggish start to the season, hindered by a hamstring injury, the 21-year-old has only netted two goals in 12 outings. United’s expectations for a natural number nine have been dimmed by his recent goal drought, and it is here that Amorim’s expertise will become crucial.

The Manchester United management brought Højlund to Old Trafford with the expectation that his combination of speed, strength, and finishing skills would position him as the centerpiece of their attacking game plan. While there are indications of his potential, inadequate service has impeded his progress. With Amorim now at the helm, the critical question is whether he can ignite the transformation that United urgently needs. Højlund’s past performances indicate he has the potential to be a pivotal player for the team, but he needs a tactical framework that maximizes his abilities.

Amorim's reputation for enhancing strikers is well established. During his time at Sporting CP, he was instrumental in the development of Viktor Gyökeres, transforming a raw talent into one of the most potent forwards in the league. Given this background, Højlund has reason to feel hopeful about what Amorim can accomplish with his skills. Manchester United requires their young Danish striker to find his form, and Amorim's capacity to maximize his potential will be vital for the success of United’s season.

In his recent discussions with Denmark teammate Morten Hjulmand, Højlund has shared his enthusiasm about collaborating with the new Manchester United manager, commending Amorim’s vision and innovative ideas. “I’m really looking forward to this. He has fantastic concepts, and I’ve observed how Sporting operates,” Højlund stated. The striker appears confident that Amorim’s tactical strategies will enable him to excel. Having observed Sporting's use of a three-man defence setup, Højlund is eager to see how Amorim introduces his playing style at Old Trafford.

Amorim's appointment signifies the dawn of a new chapter for Manchester United, focusing on nurturing and enhancing talent as they aim to reclaim their position at the pinnacle of English football. The £72m investment in Højlund underscores the significance of the striker's performance, yet it is Amorim's proven history in player development that could be pivotal in transforming United's attack into a formidable force. The lingering question is whether he can unlock the potential of a player who, at his peak, has the ability to spearhead United's frontline with remarkable impact.