Rasmus Hojlund moment that shows Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim's patience is wearing thin
Rasmus Hojlund moment that shows Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim's patience is wearing thin
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Ruben Amorim has tried his best to shield Rasmus Hojlund from criticism. But 10 days on from insisting that Manchester United’s attacking struggles are a collective problem, while backing the Dane to emerge from his rough patch, it is becoming difficult to keep the faith.
It is now 11 appearances since Hojlund’s last goal and he has just a dismal two in the league. Sometimes a centre-forward’s dry spell can be papered over by being a good team player. Except Sunday night’s 58-minute appearance, at which point he was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee, suggested Hojlund’s crisis of confidence has become so profound he is even struggling with the basics.
The passing was poor, the hold-up play was weak and it was hard to recall a meaningful run to bother Fulham’s back four. Overall this was a better performance from United. They took a while to get going but a first clean sheet since December 1 spoke of a defensive resilience that has been sorely missing.
Yet Lisandro Martinez’s winner was not just fortunate, it was also their first attempt on target. And the core problem was every time a pass reached Hojlund, invariably with his back to goal, the end result was more often than not a loss of possession.
When Amad played a pass to him in the centre circle a minute into the second period, the Dane’s touch was so heavy he allowed compatriot Joachim Andersen to make the easiest of interceptions. Hojlund, his body language worsening as the night wore on, looked to the heavens and swore so loudly it was audible from the stands.
