Back to news
I watched Man United flop make Ruben Amorim transfer decision easier after Lyon nightmare
@Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
If Manchester United needed further evidence that a new striker is needed, they got it at Lyon.
Much of the talk after Thursday's frustrating 2-2 draw in the Europa League will be on another disastrous performance from goalkeeper Andre Onana. The Cameroon international was made to look a fool after his comments in the build-up to the game..
But Rasmus Hojlund showed yet again why he is not good enough to cope with the pressure of being United's main striker. It was thought that ending his goal drought before the international break against Leicester City might lead to some sort of renaissance. A team which is so goal-shy may finally have another option to find the back of the net.
And yet Hojlund proved again why his days under Ruben Amorim may be numbered. The MEN's Samuel Luckhurst said it best in his player ratings for Thursday's game - pointing out that centre-back Leny Yoro was more of a goal threat.
United's Danish forward has scored just eight goals across all competitions this season. In total, Hojlund has netted just 24 times in 84 appearances since completing a £72million move to Old Trafford from Atalanta in August 2023.
It's a pitiful return for someone brought in to lead the line under Erik ten Hag. This was supposed to be the striker United needed to take them to the next level.
Instead, it appears they have made another expensive mistake. In fairness to Hojlund, United should have signed a more experienced striker by now to complement the Dane and allow him to develop without the pressure of playing nearly every match
Given United's precarious finances they are only likely to go for a much cheaper option, whatever happens with Hojlund or any other player in Amorim's current squad.
Ipswich Town's Liam Delap has become heavily linked in recent days. The Manchester City academy academy graduate is said to have a £30m release clause, which will be activated when Ipswich's almost certain relegation is confirmed.
There will be question marks over Delap's ability to lead the line for a club of United's size - more so than when Hojlund arrived two summers ago.
But many United fans will take him over Hojlund at this point. It's a damning state of affairs for the Reds' No.9.
Here at the Manchester Evening News, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Subscribe to our free newsletter service here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.
If you’d rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.
Related News
10 Feb, 2025
Woman suffers life-changing injuries aft . . .
13 Apr, 2025
SRH who seemed down, have risen like pho . . .
11 Apr, 2025
Pakistan outplays Scotland in women’s wo . . .
13 Feb, 2025
Breakout star Tien ends Aussie hopes at . . .
23 Mar, 2025
Trump makes men’s wrestling championship . . .
06 Apr, 2025
Munster roll back the years with epic ro . . .
04 Mar, 2025
2025 NFL Draft: 10 sleepers to watch fol . . .
16 Mar, 2025
Starliner astronauts' replacement crew a . . .