Ruben Amorim has the potential to be the key figure in transforming Rasmus Hojlund into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous strikers, according to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown.
Brown, who spent over a decade working within the club during its most successful era, believes the newly-appointed United manager can help Hojlund emulate the success of Viktor Gyokeres, the striker Amorim helped develop at Sporting CP. With Hojlund’s future at Old Trafford still uncertain, Amorim’s guidance could be the catalyst the young striker needs to reach his full potential.
This insight comes at a time when Manchester United’s plans for January appear to be shifting. Despite United’s interest in acquiring Gyokeres in the upcoming transfer window, Football Insider has reported that the club will likely be unable to allocate sufficient funds for a deal. As a result, Amorim will need to work with the squad he has at his disposal, and the development of Hojlund could become one of his top priorities. Brown, who remains closely connected with the club, is confident that Amorim’s track record of improving strikers, as evidenced by Gyokeres’ rise, means that Hojlund could be the next beneficiary of his managerial expertise.
Rasmus Hojlund, 21, has shown glimpses of promise since his arrival at Manchester United, but he has struggled to find consistency under Erik ten Hag’s management. In 55 appearances for the club, he has scored 18 goals—a respectable tally, but one that also highlights the room for growth in his game. While Hojlund has the physical attributes required to excel in the Premier League, including strength, speed, and the ability to press high up the pitch, there are clear areas of his play that require refinement if he is to become a top-tier striker.
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Brown pointed out the similarities between Hojlund and Gyokeres, particularly their work ethic and desire to press defenders. “Both of United’s strikers have got a lot to prove,” Brown said on the Football Insider podcast. “Hojlund is the first-choice centre-forward at the moment, but he’s still a work in progress.” Brown noted that, like Gyokeres, Hojlund has the physicality to put defenders under pressure and make intelligent runs in behind, yet there are technical aspects of his game that need improvement. According to Brown, it is in these areas that Amorim could make a significant impact, helping Hojlund to elevate his game to the next level.
Gyokeres’ development under Amorim at Sporting CP provides a compelling blueprint for Hojlund’s potential growth. When Gyokeres joined Sporting from Coventry in 2023, he was not considered a finished product. However, under Amorim’s tutelage, Gyokeres flourished, quickly becoming one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards. Over 68 appearances for the Portuguese side, he scored 66 goals—a stunning record that caught the attention of top clubs across the continent. Brown believes that Amorim’s ability to unlock the full potential of his forwards will be key to Hojlund’s success at Manchester United, just as it was for Gyokeres at Sporting.
“Gyokeres wasn’t the finished article when he moved to Sporting,” Brown explained. “But Amorim worked closely with him, and his goals-to-game ratio and overall performances since then have been among the best in Europe. If Amorim can do something similar with Hojlund, United may not even need to sign a new striker after all.” This statement underscores the confidence Brown has in Amorim’s ability to develop talent and suggests that United’s current squad, with the right guidance, may already have what it takes to compete at the highest level without needing to spend on new signings in January.
Despite Hojlund’s promising start at United, the pressure is mounting on him to deliver more consistently. Under ten Hag, Hojlund has at times struggled to nail down a regular starting spot, with competition for the central forward role intensifying. However, Brown’s optimism is rooted in the belief that with the right coaching, Hojlund has the qualities to improve significantly. “There’s a lot of room for improvement,” Brown acknowledged, “but Hojlund has the right foundation. He’s got the strength, the speed, and the mentality to succeed.”
In addition to his physical attributes, Hojlund’s tactical awareness and understanding of the game will also benefit from Amorim’s coaching. Known for his detailed approach to player development, Amorim has a proven track record of enhancing not only the technical but also the tactical aspects of his players’ games. Gyokeres’ transition from the Championship to a top European club like Sporting serves as a testament to Amorim’s ability to elevate players from good to great.
Manchester United’s current striker situation is a complex one. While Hojlund remains the first-choice forward, there have been doubts about his ability to adapt to the Premier League’s demands. However, if Amorim can bring out the best in the young forward, United may have a long-term solution to their striker woes without having to pursue a new signing. With the club facing financial constraints and the need to strengthen other areas of the squad, developing Hojlund into a world-class striker could prove to be one of the best investments for the future.
The potential for Hojlund to follow in Gyokeres’ footsteps under Amorim’s guidance could be the turning point for Manchester United’s forward line. While the club has historically been known for its attacking prowess, recent seasons have highlighted the need for a clinical, consistent striker. Hojlund has shown glimpses of that potential, but his progress has been hampered by the challenges of adjusting to life at one of the world’s biggest clubs. Amorim’s arrival could offer Hojlund the stability and focused development he needs to thrive.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the striker’s development under Amorim’s watch. If he can help Hojlund make significant strides, Manchester United may have found their solution in-house, negating the need for an expensive new signing in the coming transfer windows. With the right coaching and a continued commitment to his development, Hojlund could become the player United fans have been waiting for—a striker capable of leading the line for years to come.
Ultimately, Amorim’s potential impact on Hojlund’s development could be the key to unlocking Manchester United’s attacking future. With a manager who has a proven track record of improving players and getting the best out of young talent, Hojlund’s time to shine could be just around the corner. If he can reach the heights that Amorim helped Gyokeres achieve, United’s pursuit of a top-class striker might not be as urgent as it once seemed.