Manchester United created loads of chances but failed to capitalise and eventually had to settle for a point against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.
It was the hosts who took the lead through a Bruno Fernandes spot-kick but as has often been the case this season, they allowed the opposition back in almost instantaneously as the Premier League encounter ended 1-1.
The midfield lacked control, something incoming manager Ruben Amorim must fix, while the wastefulness in front of goal is something that needs particular attention.
Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Fernandes were all guilty of spurning glorious chances while Rasmus Hojlund battled hard without making any real impact.
Amorim’s huge job with Rasmus
The Dane did win the penalty, but that was after he failed to control a brilliant pass from Casemiro and got lucky in the end.
But his lack of awareness regarding when to release his teammates was something that was frequently seen with the Old Trafford crowd groaning when he failed to spot Garnacho in acres of space down the left.
That happened at least two-three times in the game and the 21-year-old needs to work on his back-to-goal play and his passing, something Amorim has been backed to achieve.
After all, Viktor Gyokeres, who is a target for almost all European elite sides, was at Coventry City before his arrival at Sporting and it is clear to see where the Portuguese manager has taken the striker.
The United No 9 has two goals this season and netted 16 last term, while the Swede already has 20 goals to his name in the current campaign, ridiculous numbers!
Rasmus can match Gyokeres under Amorim
Both have similar games, with both strikers quite powerful and willing to run the channels. But Hojlund is lacking that killer instinct, something the Sweden international has developed during his time at Sporting.
Former Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores, who had managed Amorim back when he played for Benfica in 2008-09, feels his protege has the skills to improve young talents.
Amorim’s ability to understand the new generation of stars stands him in good stead as per the Spaniard. He even told The Sun, “With respect to Hojlund, the pack is the strength of the wolves.
“He is a good striker but he will only hit his high standards again if the team changes its level of performance. And Ruben now has the chance to train very good players in Manchester. Yes, he can do with Hojlund what he did with Gyokeres.”
Flores also felt that Amorim’s work ethic and style of management are similar to former United manager Jose Mourinho, high praise indeed.
Amorim is like Jose
“I remember him as a clever, elegant and committed footballer. He was always close to his team-mates. The way his teams play reflects a high standard of discipline.
“He has a similar work ethic to former United manager Jose Mourinho. Only time will tell if Ruben can reach his level.”
Fans will be eager to see how Amorim starts his United career. But for now, interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has two more games to go — one in the Europa League and the last against Leicester City in the Premier League.
Hopefully, he can keep his unbeaten run going and build some momentum for the incoming manager.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
