7 passes, 15 touches: Amorim must now drop 4/10 United star with 25% duels won, start 23yo instead
Manchester United played out a goalless draw against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Red Devils beat Pep Guardiola’s side in the reverse fixture (2-1) at the Etihad Stadium and had the chance to do the league double at Old Trafford.
However, they never looked like scoring over 90 minutes. Joshua Zirkzee came closest with a header in the 77th minute but Ederson made a quality save.
Zirkzee was a 71st-minute substitute for Rasmus Hojlund and was much better than the Dane.
The 23-year-old won 50 percent of his duels. He registered 11 touches, four passes and had the best opportunity to put United ahead with his header.
In comparison, Hojlund managed just 15 touches and seven passes in 71 minutes. He won just 25 percent of his duels and did not muster a shot on goal.
Hojlund fashioned a chance at the start of the game for Alejandro Garnacho but barring this, the 22-year-old seemed non-existent as an attacking force.
The former Atalanta man received a 4/10 rating from Goal for his disappointing performance.
In our opinion, manager Ruben Amorim must drop him from the starting line-up when United face Lyon in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.
Winning the competition guarantees a spot in the league phase of the Champions League. The club need to secure a handy lead from the away leg at the Groupama Stadium.
Hojlund has had a good European campaign with five goals and three assists from 10 outings, but his current run of form does not warrant a starting position.
Zirkzee has not been in rich scoring form either but seems more suited for Amorim’s system. His lively cameo in the Manchester derby should get him the nod upfront.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .