Manchester United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight in the Premier League, entering the penultimate game of what has been a dismal year in England’s top-flight.
Ruben Amorim’s side will want to end the campaign on a high after their disappointment across the board, but all focus will undoubtedly be on the Europa League final.
The Red Devils face Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on Wednesday evening, with players wanting to save themselves and prevent injury ahead of the vital clash.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim before the match
However, players will still want to impress against Enzo Maresca’s side, potentially landing themselves a start against Spurs and having the opportunity to make themselves a hero and end the season on a high.
It will hand the boss a chance to assess his squad, but he should drop one player for the clash in West London tonight, after what has been a below-par year at Old Trafford.
Why Amorim needs to drop Hojlund against Chelsea
Striker Rasmus Hojlund had huge hopes of being a success at United following his £72m move from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023 - but it’s safe to say his time at the club has been a disaster.
The Danish international has often been the Red Devils’ main talisman this campaign, but has failed to deliver, netting just four league goals in his 30 appearances.
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The 22-year-old even went 21 games without a goal across all competitions earlier this campaign, highlighting his lack of impact at the top end of the pitch.
His all-round play has been just as disappointing, completing an average of just 11 passes per game, unable to offer the side the link-up play needed for success within the final third.
Such a record has led to numerous links to other attackers all across Europe, with the manager needing to experiment with multiple other options against Chelsea to evaluate his side further ahead of the summer.
The United star who Amorim should start in a new role
Over the course of 2024/25, Amorim has experimented with multiple options at the top end of the pitch in an attempt to combat their issues in the final third.
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Centre-back Harry Maguire has often been called upon to operate as a makeshift centre-forward this campaign, most notably against Nottingham Forest, where he had an effort cleared off the line.
He’s not been the only player to operate out of position, with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo operating in such a role during the defeat at home to Crystal Palace.
However, he could continue in such vein, by utilising Amad Diallo as a centre-forward, adding yet another position to his resume this season after switching since Amorim’s appointment.
The Ivorian has operated at wing-back and attacking midfield, starring in both positions and being one of the club’s most effective players, given his tally of 10 goals and eight assists across all competitions.
amad-united
However, his ankle injury has derailed his progress, needing vital minutes before the Europa League final to hand himself the best chance of swinging the game in their favour.
Amad, who’s been labelled a “monster” by former teammate Scott Arfield, has registered 2.3 shots per 90 - undoubtedly aiding his excellent tallies, making him a superb option at the top end.
Amad Diallo's stats for United in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Shots taken
Chances created
Successful dribbles
Touches in opposition box
Stats via FotMob
He’s also completed 86% of the passes he’s attempted, and whilst creating 2.4 chances per 90 - handing the other players around him the opportunity to thrive at the Bridge.
It may seem a bold call to utilise the 22-year-old in such a role, but given the lack of impact from other players in the department this campaign, it could be another masterstroke from the boss.
Ultimately, attention will be fully on next week’s European final, but it presents another chance for the youngster to get minutes under his belt, possibly registering a positive end to what’s been a year to forget for the Red Devils.
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