Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has lavished praise on Rasmus Hojlund for the striker’s strong performance in Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg with Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.
Hojlund proved to be a firm presence at the tip of the Man United attack, as the Red Devils put one foot in the Europa League final courtesy of a 3-0 victory over their 10-man opponents.
Bruno Fernandes scored twice, while Casemiro also registered, in the three-goal success, but Hojlund proved to be crucial in the final third of the field, with the Denmark international winning the penalty that his captain converted to make it 2-0.
It has been a difficult campaign for the 22-year-old, only managing nine goals in 47 appearances in all competitions, but he was on the scoresheet against Bournemouth in the Premier League last weekend.
Amorim has hailed Hojlund for his display against Athletic, calling it the forward’s “best game” since he arrived as head coach.
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Hojlund impressed in Man United’s three-goal win over Athletic
“It’s hard to say but I think it was the best game that he had with me as a coach,” Amorim told reporters in his post-match press conference.
“He helped the team a lot. He secured the ball and made the runs, and then decided quite well. It’s a good moment for him but like Harry [Maguire] he needs to understand that everything can change. Let’s focus on the next one. This is in the past, we have a tough one on Sunday against Brentford and then again in the second leg.”
There is currently a host of speculation surrounding Hojlund’s future, as Man United are set to bring in a new centre-forward during this summer’s transfer window.
Hojlund is thought to have interest from Serie A, so the Red Devils have a big decision to make this summer, with a loan departure thought to be possible, but he could also stay as back-up to a new striker.
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Should Man United keep Hojlund this summer?
It was always going to be a big ask for Hojlund to lead the line for Man United at this stage of his career, and even more pressure has been placed on him since Joshua Zirkzee picked up a season-ending injury.
Sporting Lisbon‘s Viktor Gyokeres is believed to be Man United’s leading striker target this summer, with the English giants potentially battling Atletico Madrid for the Sweden international.
However, the Red Devils are not exactly well-stocked when it comes to the centre-forward spot, especially with Zirkzee’s best work coming in a deeper area, so there should be a role for Hojlund at Old Trafford next term.
Gyokeres, Hojlund and the emerging Chido Obi would provide excellent options for Amorim next season, and unless a significant offer arrives for the Dane this summer, he should again be a part of the squad next term, albeit in a reduced role.
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