Manchester United’s game against Chelsea was yet another reminder of the team’s inability to convert their chances and in the end, they had to be satisfied with only a point.
Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and eventual goalscorer Bruno Fernandes were all guilty of wasting glorious chances while apart from winning the penalty, Rasmus Hojlund struggled for most of the game.
The Dane has often struggled to play with his back to goal while summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has largely been ineffective inside the box with only one goal to show for his efforts so far.
A ruthless striker in his days, interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy was posed the question as to whether he was concerned with the team’s lack of goals during the pre-match press conference ahead of the Europa League game against PAOK.
Profligacy in front of goal
The Dutchman pointed out that he was pleased that numerous chances were being created in every game and that eventually, things would fall into place.
“I don’t agree we didn’t create enough chances. I think, if you look at the stats, we are one of the teams creating the most chances and it’s the conversion [that is letting us down]. It’s why I said I’m not worried.
“We’re creating the chances and, with the talent we have, they are still young. Not only the two you mentioned [Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee] but [there are] others as well with lots of potential.
“If the results will keep coming, confidence will rise. That’s the key thing to scoring goals: confidence. I think the guys will do that and, hopefully, carry on in tomorrow’s game.”
Interestingly, with Ruben Amorim’s imminent arrival, lots of speculation has been building up over a potential move for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swede netted a hat-trick against Manchester City on Tuesday and has been on fire since his move from Coventry City to Portugal.
Plenty have tipped Amorim to repeat the trick with United’s No 9 and Van Nistelrooy for one believes the 21-year-old has every attribute needed to succeed as he showed in an otherwise poor display against the Blues.
He admitted that the former Atalanta starlet trains very hard and his hard work will pay off in the end. The only advice the former United striker had for him was that he needs to remain calm under pressure.
Ruud’s advice for Rasmus
“My advice? Stay calm and believe in himself, believes in his qualities. Like I do and his team-mates do. He knows he’s young and he’s promising and the daily work he puts in will pay off in the end
“When it’s needed, to hold up play and get players into the third-man position and play on from there, he does a brilliant job [with that] as well.
“And, of course, he is a guy who can change a game in a second, like with the penalty moment [against Chelsea]. We just need one or two in the box, and it can be him.”
Hojlund is still young and has a lot to learn. He has shown signs of improvement since his move to Manchester and maybe Amorim can be the one to take his game to the next level. At least, that is what fans and the striker himself is hoping for.
Feature image Justin Setterfield 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
