Amorim's Challenge: Reviving United's Struggling Attack

Ruben Amorim's appointment as the new head coach of Manchester United comes with high expectations. The 39-year-old is charged with revitalizing a team that has had difficulty achieving a consistent attacking rhythm. With a proven track record of developing players and bringing out their best, Amorim's primary challenge will be to harness the potential of £72m signing Rasmus Højlund, who has yet to provide the goal-scoring output that United urgently requires.

During Erik ten Hag's tenure, United has displayed an inconsistent attacking strategy, managing to score just 12 goals in their first 11 Premier League matches. Given United's reputation, they should be achieving much higher scoring rates, and this disparity is central to the challenges that Amorim must tackle. Although the defence has proven to be solid, the team's struggle to dismantle opposing defences and create reliable scoring opportunities has left the Red Devils faltering in the attacking third.

Regarding individual performances, Alejandro Garnacho stands out as Manchester United's leading goal scorer in the league with just three goals, a figure that falls short of the offensive potency anticipated from a club of their stature. In their summer transfer plans, United aimed to strengthen their attacking options, but the signing of Joshua Zirkzee has not effectively addressed the goal-scoring dilemma. Despite his adaptability, Zirkzee lacks the clinical finishing that the team requires.

The focus is primarily on Højlund, the £72m acquisition from Atalanta this summer. The Danish forward was anticipated to resolve United's attacking difficulties, and his hefty price tag signifies the club's commitment to obtaining a reliable goal-scorer for the future. Højlund enjoyed a commendable season in Italy, scoring 16 goals across various competitions, with 10 of those in Serie A. However, following a challenging start to the season due to a hamstring injury, the 21-year-old has only managed to find the net twice in 12 appearances. United’s aspirations for a genuine number nine have been hindered by his current goal drought, making Amorim’s expertise crucial at this juncture.

The United management recruited Højlund to Old Trafford with the belief that his combination of speed, strength, and finishing skills would position him as the centerpiece of their attacking strategy. While there are signs of this potential, insufficient support has hindered his progress. With Amorim now at the helm, the pivotal question is whether he can ignite the transformation that United so urgently seeks. Højlund's past performances indicate he has the potential to be an essential player for the club, but he needs a system that amplifies his strengths.

Amorim's reputation for enhancing strikers is well-established. During his time at Sporting CP, he was instrumental in the growth of Viktor Gyökeres, transforming him from a raw talent into one of the league's most formidable forwards. Given this track record, Højland has every reason to be hopeful about Amorim's potential impact on his game. Manchester United needs their young Danish striker to find his form, and Amorim's skill in maximizing player performance will be vital for the club's success this season.

In recent discussions with his Denmark teammate Morten Hjulmand, Højlund shared his enthusiasm for collaborating with the new manager of United, commending Amorim’s innovative ideas and vision. “I’m truly excited about this. He has brilliant ideas, and I’ve observed how Sporting plays,” Højlund stated. The striker appears to be optimistic that Amorim’s tactical methods will enable him to excel. After observing Sporting's use of a three-man defense system, Højlund is eager to discover how Amorim will adapt his style of play at Old Trafford.

Amorim's appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Manchester United, as the club aims to cultivate and enhance talent in its quest to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of English football. The £72m valuation of Højlund underscores the significance of the striker's success, yet it is Amorim's proven history in developing players that might be pivotal in transforming United's attack into a formidable presence. The lingering question is whether he can unlock the potential of a player who, at his peak, is capable of spearheading United's offensive efforts with formidable impact.