This season has been challenging for Manchester United, and head coach Ruben Amorim has not shied away from enforcing strict standards on player performance and discipline.
Previously, he made waves by benching Marcus Rashford over concerns about his commitment in training and overall attitude. Now, Amorim has shifted his focus to another player whose performances have not met expectations.
Rasmus Højlund, who joined the club in 2023 for a hefty £72 million from Atalanta, has yet to establish himself in the Premier League.
The Danish forward has managed only two goals in 21 league appearances this season, and he has not contributed any assists, making his impact on the team rather limited.
This underwhelming output has been highlighted by comparisons to former United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. After his transfer to West Ham for £15 million, Wan-Bissaka has recorded two goals and two assists, while Højlund’s goal-scoring drought now extends to 16 matches, deepening concerns among the coaching staff.
Amorim’s frustration with Højlund’s performance was evident in a recent post-match interview, where he candidly declared that the striker is to blame for the team’s poor form and must significantly improve in the next two games or risk his place at the club.
There is a striking similarity between Højlund’s current situation and what happened with Marcus Rashford, a player once seen as indispensable to the team. Rashford was sidelined after his dedication was questioned, with Amorim remarking that he would bench even his goalkeeping coach over a player who does not consistently give his best.
As Manchester United braces for upcoming matches, the pressure on Højlund is mounting. The next two games are seen as critical not only for securing points but also for reaffirming a culture of excellence and commitment that Amorim believes is vital for the club’s return to its former stature.
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