Ruben Amorim has enjoyed a memorable introduction in the North West, meeting and greeting a Manchester United squad with potential world-beaters in Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund.
His intentions regarding an immediate plan for tactical structure and philosophies are already clear – with players ready to embrace a 343 setup.
As was proven during his time in Portugal, a fluid attacking line is critical to complement the inevitable opportunities created by a high-pressing possession-orientated system.
In Sporting, the formidable stature of Viktor Gyokeres led a lethal assault against domestic and continental opposition, and the Old Trafford faithful remain hopeful for a similar relationship with Hojlund.
A potential partnership befitting of the Theatre of Dreams
Five years younger than the Swedish hitman, Hojlund has already highlighted his undeniable talents, and although often starved of opportunities, his clinical nature remains apparent.
For many, the acquisition of the young Dane should have come alongside a veteran striker in the mould of Harry Kane. Undeniably, this makes sense, but – in honesty – sense is hardly a word we would attribute to the Glazer hierarchy.
While his introduction to English life offered glimpses of a fruitful career, a lack of domestic goals tarnished an otherwise talented youngster’s credibility amongst the masses.
As is the obsession with Manchester United in mainstream media, the former Atalanta man became a focal point for daily criticism and social media ridicule.
But there are many layers to this guitar-loving striker, and his ability to shoulder the scrutiny while focusing on improving his game highlighted the real possibility of a line-leading forward for well over a decade.
A stellar end to a credible debut campaign resulted in his adoption of the hallowed number 9 shirt and the trust of the Ineos hierarchy to govern proceedings at the Theatre of Dreams.
In Amorim, he will receive a modern-thinking approach with a track record of entrusting youth and a dedication to harnessing the maximum output of his attacking line.
It is important to remember that Gyokeres did not become a sensation overnight; it took time and effort. At 21, the Swede scored a solitary goal while on loan at Swansea and followed that with three in 19 Championship appearances for Coventry.
The often-forgotten numbers behind the man
For reasons unknown to me, a faction of support chooses to focus on nothing but a frustrating start that returned zero goals from 14 Premier League appearances for our Danish hitman.
Everything else is disregarded – from his five goals in six Champions League outings during the same period to his record-breaking run as the youngest player to net in six consecutive English top-flight fixtures.
Furthermore, he was regularly utilised as a back-to-goal target man who routinely supplied opportunities for Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes under the guidance of Erik ten Hag.
When we peel back the metrics behind the second half of a debut League campaign, an undeniable number 9 emerged despite having to do so with very little assistance.
| PL Goals from December 26 to season-end | Appearances | Goals |
| Cole Palmer | 18 | 16 |
| Alexander Isak | 17 | 14 |
| Erling Haaland | 16 | 13 |
| Rasmus Hojlund | 16 | 10 |
| Ollie Watkins | 19 | 10 |
| Mohamed Salah | 14 | 6 |
As is evident from the above chart, Hojlund was in the mix amongst the finest finishers in the league and was not graced with the added incentive of penalty responsibilities.
Additionally, the 21-year-old played in a troubled side that routinely struggled to grasp its identity.
Making 30 Premier League appearances in his debut campaign, the Dane was often frustrated by his teammate’s unwillingness to share the football in the final third.
This became a weekly conversation in the fanbase, with a sense of bemusement grasping many.
| Manchester United squad | Total efforts on goal in the Premier League (2023-24) |
| Alejandro Garnacho | 100 |
| Marcus Rashford | 62 |
| Antony | 43 |
| Rasmus Hojlund | 38 |
While I freely admit he is still learning his trade, and everything from movement and spatial awareness will require fine-tuning, he is statistically amongst the best finishers in England.
When graced with a natural finisher, the onus should be set to finding the player in advantageous positions.
Throughout the domestic campaign, Hojlund managed only 38 efforts on goal. Considering his actual output, this screams of a predatory striker within the side.
To put this into perspective, only Newcastle hitman Alexander Isak had a better conversion rate in the Premier League.
| Goal attempts | Conversion % | |
| Alexander Isak | 78 | 27 |
| Rasmus Hojlund | 38 | 26 |
| Erling Haaland | 121 | 22 |
| Cole Palmer | 109 | 20 |
| Mohamed Salah | 114 | 16 |
As with any arrival, speculation has surfaced regarding United’s desire to recruit Sporting’s talisman and continue the memorable bond between coach and player.
But, regardless of public opinion, our Portuguese tactician is inheriting one of European football’s brightest talents in the position.
Sources close to the Theatre of Red have confirmed the club’s desire to enhance focus on their £64 million frontman, with a head coach more than willing to embrace the task.
How do you feel about the prospect of a budding relationship between Ruben Amorim and Rasmus Hojlund?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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