Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has thrown his support behind Rasmus Hojlund amid the ongoing criticism surrounding the centre-forward.
The 22-year-old has only scored seven times and registered one assist in 33 appearances for the Red Devils during the 2024-25 campaign, including just two goals in 21 Premier League appearances.
Hojlund's best work for Man United this season has come in the Europa League, but he has not found the back of the net in England's top flight since the start of December.
There is currently speculation surrounding the forward's future, with Man United believed to be willing to let him leave during this summer's transfer window, having become frustrated with his recent performances.
Napoli are said to be keen on the Denmark international, with Hojlund potentially being used as part of a swap deal with Victor Osimhen, but Amorim has thrown his support behind the ex-Atalanta BC youngster.
© Imago
Amorim defends Hojlund amid ongoing criticism of Man United ace
"I think it's clear: we as a team, we are not helping Rasmus. We don't create a lot of chances. We have a lack of threat and you can feel it in the game. Sometimes, we are like in the final third but you don't feel like we are a very dangerous team," Amorim told reporters ahead of Wednesday's Premier League clash with Ipswich Town.
"You feel it also when we are defending a little bit more low. Sometimes the opponents are not afraid of transitions, so I have this feeling also as a coach, that we are not helping the strikers. I think Rasmus has a lot of potential. I think if we improve the way we play the game, he will have more opportunities to score.
"I think he came here very young and, when you are very young, to be the no.9 and to play all the time, sometimes it's hard. It's everything together, it's the context. We have to look at Rasmus as a player. He has the pace, he has the technique.
"He's scored some goals that are really hard to score. Sometimes, he doesn't choose the better run, sometimes he's so anxious to touch the ball because he passes long minutes without the ball and he moves away from the goal, where you're supposed to be, especially in the final third. So we address that in training but sometimes it has to be the confidence of the player, but especially the way we play.
"I see it in training because also we make exercises near the goal. He has the ability and he's shown it here but I think it's more a team thing than a Rasmus thing. If we improve, Rasmus will improve, and I have that feeling."
© Imago
Should Man United persevere with Hojlund?
Hojlund showed a lot of potential during a difficult 2023-24 campaign, scoring 16 times in 43 appearances in all competitions, including 10 goals in 30 Premier League outings.
However, it has been a tough season for the Dane, and Man United are set to move for another centre-forward this summer.
There should be a spot for the striker moving forward, though, as he needs to develop without the pressure of being the club's starting number nine.
Hojlund deserves at least another season considering his unique skillset, which involves power and pace, and there is every chance that he could thrive learning from a more experienced forward during the 2025-26 campaign.
Matt Law
