Ruben Amorim drops HUGE Man Utd transfer hint

Cameron Smith

2 Feb 2025 15:00 GMT
3 min read

Ruben Amorim has all but admitted that Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee aren’t good enough to lead the line for Manchester United.

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The Red Devils spent €116.4 million to bring the pair to the club, but they have only scored a combined five Premier League goals so far this season, and Man Utd are actively looking to bring a new striker to the club in 2025.

Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Mathys Tel have all been linked with a move to Old Trafford this year as Amorim searches for a long-term solution to the club’s biggest problem position.

Amorim’s desperation for a new striker was seen in a new light with his team selection for Man Utd’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Hojlund and Zirkzee were both named on the substitutes bench at Old Trafford, with Kobbie Mainoo deployed in an unfamiliar false nine role instead.

The England international excelled as a No.10 during Man Utd’s 2-0 win over FCSB in the Europa League on Thursday, and he was selected in an even more advanced position versus Oliver Glasner’s side.

Mainoo has only scored six goals in 58 senior appearances during his short career to date, yet Amorim decided he would be a better fit as a central striker than either Hojlund or Zirkzee.

© IMAGO - Kobbie Mainoo started as a centre forward against Crystal Palace

What has Ruben Amorim said about Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee?

When asked why Mainoo was selected ahead of Hojlund and Zirkzee against Crystal Palace, Amorim told reporters: “It's more understanding the opponent, understanding our team, what we feel that is missing in this moment.

“And then create a different reference for the opponent, especially when you play a game that is system against system and it is a clear game of duels. We will try to do different things to create more chances.”