Table of Contents
Højlund Could Be Vital to Amorim’s Success at Manchester United
As Rasmus Højlund steps onto the pitch for Manchester United, much of the club’s future aspirations hinge on his potential to thrive in the Premier League. Under the guidance of newly appointed manager Ruben Amorim, Højlund’s growth could prove pivotal not only to his own career but also to the long-term success of United. Amorim, who was announced as the new manager in 2024, is inheriting a team that has experienced its share of highs and lows, but his approach could be the key to unlocking the full potential of Højlund and steering the club back into title contention.
In this article, we will explore why Højlund’s development under Amorim could be crucial to both his career and the future success of Manchester United, breaking down the tactical approach Amorim is expected to implement and the qualities that make Højlund the ideal striker for this project.
The Arrival of Rasmus Højlund at Manchester United
When Manchester United secured the signing of Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta in the summer of 2024, many saw it as a significant moment in the club’s rebuilding phase. Højlund, who had impressed in Serie A with his physicality, technical skill, and goal-scoring ability, was touted as a striker who could not only deliver immediate results but also grow into a focal point for the club’s attack in the coming years.
Standing at 6’3” and blessed with an athletic build, Højlund’s profile is one that makes him ideal for the physical demands of the Premier League. However, his strength is complemented by his ability to run the channels, hold up the ball, and his intelligent off-the-ball movement. These attributes are key to understanding why Amorim sees Højlund as a striker who fits into his tactical blueprint for Manchester United.
Højlund’s ability to link up play, his work ethic, and his goal-scoring instincts were factors that persuaded Amorim to push for his signing. While many have highlighted Højlund’s raw potential, Amorim’s tactical insight could play a pivotal role in developing the Danish forward into one of the best strikers in the league.
Amorim’s Tactical Approach at Manchester United
Ruben Amorim is known for his progressive style of football, which emphasizes a well-organized defensive setup, fluid ball movement, and quick transitions. Amorim’s tactical philosophy has been honed during his successful spell at Sporting CP, where he built a team that was competitive both domestically and in European competitions. His focus on positional play, high pressing, and building attacks from the back gives him a solid foundation for success at a club like Manchester United.
Under Amorim, United’s attack is likely to be built around a pressing system that focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch and transitioning quickly into attack. This will require players like Højlund to be agile, fast, and capable of exploiting spaces created by the press. With his ability to hold up the ball, Højlund could serve as a target man, facilitating quick link-up play and allowing Bruno Fernandes and other attacking midfielders to move freely in advanced positions.
A key part of Amorim’s philosophy is a vertical, direct style of play that emphasizes exploiting spaces behind the opposition’s defensive line. With Højlund’s pace, he could be vital in stretching defenses, making runs into the channels, and exploiting gaps left by defenders. His physical attributes make him a threat in aerial duels and in bringing others into the game. Whether it’s through direct balls or quick, incisive passes, Amorim’s tactical setup could help bring out the best in Højlund’s abilities.
The Perfect Fit for Højlund
One of the key reasons Højlund’s growth under Amorim could be so vital is that the manager’s tactical setup aligns perfectly with the striker’s strengths. Here’s why:
- Target-Man Role in the Pressing System: Højlund is known for his ability to hold up the ball and link up play. In a high-pressing system, his ability to win aerial duels and retain possession under pressure could be critical. Amorim’s approach requires a striker who can be a physical presence, keeping the ball alive in attack while waiting for runners like Jadon Sancho or Antony to make diagonal runs into space. With Højlund, Amorim gets a forward who can be a pivot for his attacking plays.
- Intelligent Movement and Quick Transitions: Another key component of Amorim’s game plan is quick transitions. After winning the ball high up the pitch, the team looks to transition rapidly into attack. Højlund’s off-the-ball movement is particularly well-suited for this, as he has shown an ability to make quick, decisive runs behind defenses. His pace, combined with his ability to time his runs effectively, makes him a constant threat on the counter.
- Development as a Complete Forward: Under Amorim’s tutelage, Højlund could develop into a more complete striker. While he is already an excellent finisher and a physical presence, Amorim’s tactical setup would encourage him to improve his link-up play, pressing, and spatial awareness. By fostering these qualities, Amorim could help Højlund evolve into a player who is not just a goal scorer but also a playmaker capable of making key passes and creating opportunities for teammates.
- Linking Up with Creative Midfielders: In a setup where Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, and others will be tasked with creating chances, Højlund’s ability to link up and bring others into play will be critical. Amorim will likely encourage Højlund to drop deeper when necessary to involve midfielders and build up attacks. The Danish striker’s link-up play could provide additional support to United’s attacking midfield, creating space for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony to make runs and deliver goals.
The Role of Højlund in United’s Attack
For Manchester United, one of the key areas to address has been their lack of a consistent, clinical striker in recent seasons. With the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and the fluctuating form of Anthony Martial, Højlund’s presence could offer the team much-needed stability up front.
Under Amorim, United’s attack is likely to be more structured and purposeful, relying on fluid movement, pressing, and quick transitions. With Højlund in the center, the team will have a focal point that can hold the ball, challenge defenders physically, and finish chances. His ability to combine with United’s creative midfielders, as well as his aerial threat, gives Amorim a well-rounded striker to work with.
Moreover, Højlund’s ability to create space and make runs behind the defense could be key to United’s success in breaking down compact, low-block defenses—something that has plagued them in recent years. His ability to adapt to different roles, whether as a lone striker or in a two-striker setup, will provide Amorim with tactical flexibility.
The Long-Term Vision
Looking beyond the immediate future, Amorim’s approach could help Højlund become one of the best strikers in the Premier League. Amorim has a proven track record of developing players and getting the best out of his squad. His emphasis on tactical discipline, combined with a focus on individual development, could ensure that Højlund not only excels in the Premier League but also becomes a crucial part of United’s attack for years to come.
By nurturing Højlund’s strengths and addressing areas for improvement, Amorim could turn the young Danish striker into the leader of United’s attack, helping them achieve their long-term goals of returning to the pinnacle of English football and competing in Europe.
Conclusion
Rasmus Højlund’s potential growth under Ruben Amorim is crucial for Manchester United‘s future success. With Amorim’s tactical nous and Højlund’s physical and technical attributes, the striker could thrive in the Premier League, becoming a focal point for United’s attack. Amorim’s influence, along with Højlund’s raw talent, could be a match made in heaven, leading United to sustained success both domestically and in Europe. As Manchester United looks to rebuild and return to glory, much of their hopes will rest on the shoulders of a striker who is primed to become the next great forward in world football.
