Manchester United are all set to face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League as they visit Spain and San Mames, and one of the most important pieces of their tactical puzzle will be their striker Rasmus Hojlund, given how he will lead the line and will be expected to find himself on target every time he senses an opportunity. And in what will come as a massive boost for the Premier League heavyweights, his recent goal arrives at a perfect moment for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim.
The young Danish centre forward has been struggling to find his feet at Old Trafford given how he faced a frustrating period in front of goal, but his latest strike at the weekend against Bournemouth, where his very late goal at Vitality Stadium earned United a draw, but more importantly, this goal will give him a major psychological boost ahead of the challenging trip to San Mamés.
There have been a lot of concerns among Man Utd fans around Hojlund and his sharpness, rhythm and confidence in front of goal along the ongoing season, and this goal against the Cherries restores that much-needed “muscle memory” of scoring under pressure and will bring much confidence in his instincts in front of goal (especially given that the goal came from open play rather than from the penalty spot) and just in time for a major European night.
How will Ruben Amorim tactically benefit from having Hojlund firing again?
If we are speaking purely from a tactical view, then having a confident Hojlund will bring back a vertical threat in this United offensive sequence given how the Dane’s natural run in behind can end up stretching compact opponents (like Athletic Bilbao) and then end up creating more space for midfielders to run into so the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo can take advantage of this, especially given how both of them like to operate between the lines.
Then his sharpness can be vital as well, as he will now serve to be United’s first defensive line, and if you see how Bilbao builds from the back under pressure, where Amorim can use Hojlund’s willingness to press the centre-backs aggressively to disrupt their sequences.
Moreover, confidence in himself will also bring some touch, and this is where a more assured Hojlund can better link attacks by holding up the ball and bringing the wide runners into play, especially by triggering the passes into dangerous zones.
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Author’s Opinion
The fact that Hojlund was on the scoresheet this weekend will work more than just a mere statistic; it will end up being a psychological boost ahead of the semi-final, which is around the corner, and United will have to use this sharpened confidence to bring some key tactical decisions in the attacking sequences, particularly given how the former Atalanta forward possesses the capability to unsettle their backline at San Mames. Moreover, Ruben Amorim needs to ensure that proper service is provided to Hojlund (particularly from the right zones which are weakened by Dalot’s absence), and this will end up being critical not only for his rejuvenation but also for the tie.