Manchester United’s struggles under Ruben Amorim continue to deepen, with two more attacking stars now reportedly considering their futures at Old Trafford.
Following Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa, both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund are believed to be questioning their roles at the club. According to Alan Shearer, Amorim’s decision to deploy a midfielder as a false nine against Crystal Palace was a clear snub to the two strikers, leaving them “feeling very flat” and raising doubts about their long-term prospects with the Red Devils.
Hojlund and Zirkzee arrived at United with high expectations, costing a combined £107.5m, but have struggled to justify their hefty price tags. Neither forward has found the net in 2024, and their prolonged goal droughts have only added to the club’s attacking woes. Amorim’s lack of trust in them was evident during the recent defeat to Crystal Palace, where he opted to start a midfielder up front instead of his two recognized strikers. This tactical decision sent a clear message, leaving Shearer to suggest that both players could now seek an exit in search of regular playing time and confidence.
The team’s attacking crisis is reflected in their dismal goal tally, with just 28 goals scored in 24 Premier League matches this season. Hojlund’s personal drought now stands at 13 games, while Zirkzee has not scored since December 1.
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With their output falling drastically below expectations, Amorim is reportedly “far from convinced” about their long-term suitability, leading to speculation that at least one of the forwards could be moved on in the next transfer window. Reports indicate that top European clubs are already monitoring Hojlund’s situation, while Zirkzee is assessing his options before making a decision at the end of the season.
United’s broader squad issues extend beyond their misfiring attack, with Shearer warning that the club needs several transfer windows to rebuild. Amorim inherited a struggling side and, despite a mid-season full-back signing, little has changed in terms of performances or results.
The Crisis
With eight losses in 19 matches under his leadership, the team remains in the lower half of the table, just one place better off than where they were before his arrival. Shearer believes United’s deep-rooted problems will take time to fix and that fans may need to brace for further setbacks before any real progress is made.
Meanwhile, Rashford’s move to Aston Villa was seen as a financial relief for United, with the Midlands club covering most of his £325,000-a-week wages. However, reports suggest that his time at Villa Park could be short-lived, as discussions about his next move have already begun.
Elsewhere, Tyrell Malacia’s departure to PSV Eindhoven was another piece of smart business by United’s hierarchy, offloading a player who has struggled with injuries and form over the last two seasons. The Dutch side has taken on the full responsibility for his wages and secured an option to make the move permanent in the summer.
With United’s forward line under intense scrutiny and key players unsettled, the pressure is mounting on Amorim to find solutions before the situation spirals further. Whether he can turn things around with the current squad or will need a major overhaul in the summer remains to be seen.
For now, the uncertainty surrounding Hojlund and Zirkzee only adds to the growing list of concerns at Old Trafford. Could United’s attacking rebuild come sooner than expected? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
