Rasmus Hojlund’s Crucial Role for Manchester United
Manchester United find themselves at a crossroads this season, with the Europa League now standing as one of their last hopes for a salvage. The club’s £72 million summer signing, Rasmus Hojlund, is being thrust into the spotlight to lead the line in this crucial competition. Despite a disappointing Premier League campaign, where the Danish forward has only managed seven goals in 35 appearances, Hojlund has shown flashes of his potential, particularly in European competition.
Hojlund’s Europa League Performance
The 22-year-old has been a different player in the Europa League. In just eight appearances, Hojlund has netted five goals and provided one assist, including a brace against Bodo/Glimt and Viktoria Plzen, and a goal against Porto. These performances have given the club and its fans hope that he can replicate this form when it matters most. His goal-scoring ability in Europe is more notable than any of his teammates, with only Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo matching his scoring prowess in the tournament. If Hojlund can return to his European form, he could be the key to Manchester United’s success in the Europa League.
The Absence of Chido Obi
Unfortunately for the Red Devils, promising young striker Chido Obi is ineligible to play in the Europa League. Despite making three first-team appearances, including a lively showing in the FA Cup defeat to Fulham, Obi did not make the squad list for the Europa League. According to ESPN, the club’s submission for the playoff round did not include Obi, focusing instead on January signings like Patrick Dorgu and youngster Ayden Heaven. UEFA rules stipulate that players must be at a club for at least two years to qualify for the B List, which is typically reserved for academy players. This rule has excluded Obi from the tournament entirely, leaving Hojlund as the primary striking option.
Hojlund’s Regression and Manager’s Approach
Hojlund’s struggle in the Premier League has been a significant concern for manager Ruben Amorim. The striker, who had a promising season at Atalanta with ten goals in 34 appearances, has appeared low on confidence since moving to Old Trafford. His performance in the FA Cup defeat to Fulham was particularly underwhelming, leading to his substitution for Obi. However, Amorim has remained supportive, emphasizing that the striker position remains open. "Anything can happen in the next games, during training," he said. "We don’t have a lot of time to train, but we need to see the opposition, feel the moment of the player physically. Anything can happen, but I will focus just on the next game and not in that way I’m not going to change the striker. I will just choose the best players to win the next match."
The Importance of the Europa League
Progression in the Europa League is crucial for Manchester United not only for the bragging rights but also for their European aspirations. A strong run, and potentially a victory, in the tournament would guarantee the club a place in next season’s Champions League. This goal is particularly important given the club’s poor form in the Premier League and their early exits from both domestic cups. Winning the Europa League would provide a much-needed boost to the team’s morale and could set the stage for a better season next year.
Recent Performance and Player Ratings
Manchester United’s recent 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town in a relegation six-pointer provided a glimmer of hope. Despite playing the second half with ten men due to Patrick Dorgu’s red card, the Red Devils managed to secure a win, with Harry Maguire scoring the decisive goal. The performance highlighted the team’s resilience and the importance of key players stepping up in crucial moments. Phil Thomas, writing for SunSport, provided player ratings that praised Maguire for his goal and leadership, while also noting the mixed performances from others, including Onana and Dorgu, who made significant mistakes early in the match.
In summary, Manchester United will need Rasmus Hojlund to step up and deliver in the Europa League if they hope to save their season. His performance in Europe thus far suggests he is capable of the task, but he will need to regain his confidence and translate his European form to the Premier League as well. With the stakes high, the club and its fans will be watching closely to see if Hojlund can rise to the challenge and lead the Red Devils to European glory.
