Manchester United are having an inconsistent season. A run of a wins is normally followed by a defeat that underlines their many issues.
The games they do manage to win scream of a team papering over the cracks, as they huff and puff to edge teams out. Matches often become end-to-end, played at basketball pace.
The attack has improved since the new year, but the defensive structure and setup out of possession still means United rarely control games and often have to outscore teams.
By Dharnish Iqbal
In a season where anyone can often beat anyone, Manchester United still have an outside chance of Champions League qualification, and they largely owe that to a new, youthful attack.
The difference now, compared to the beginning of the season, is when they take a few punches, they can get back up and swing back. Rasmus Højlund’s form has been absolutely essential to this.
The burden of the United shirt can often weigh a player down, especially as a striker where you’re relied upon to score goals. The constant noise and pressure around the club magnifies every player’s performance. There is a catalogue of great strikers who have played for the Red Devils, but it doesn’t feel like they’ve had a pure goal scorer since Robin van Persie.
Marcus Rashford has been one of the best performers in recent years but even his favoured position is coming in off the left and he’s only managed to score more than a dozen Premier League goals in two of his nine seasons in the first team.
Højlund may finally be the fox-in-the-box striker presence United have been bereft of for years. Ruud van Nistelrooy is the best comparison I can make for the Dane. Cesc Fabregas also made a similar comparison. His goals since breaking his duck vs Aston Villa in December could’ve been taken straight from the Dutchman’s playbook. Coupled with his hold-up play, the comparison makes sense.
Excellent finishes in the box, or simply being in the right place at the right time, getting on the end of crosses or loose balls. The goal to shift his body and chest home a mishit Alejandro Garnacho shot vs Luton is a prime example of this. Using quick instincts to sniff out a chance and turn it into a goal, it was excellent thinking on his feet.
It’s no surprise every league goal he’s scored has come from inside the box
It’s a particularly nifty skill to have, smelling what’s in the box and gobbling up anything in the 18-yard area.
United were at their best last season when they were able to largely field the same eleven, the attack is no different. Before Højlund’s muscle injury, it was Rashford left wing, Garnacho right wing, Bruno Fernandes in the middle and Højlund up top.
It let United stretch teams wide and quickly release their wingers. With Mainoo and Casemiro in midfield, it finally meant Fernandes could be in his preferred position and be closer to the attackers where he should be.
Goals have been a big issue for United this season so Højlund’s recent form has been much welcomed but the Fulham defeat also highlighted how much of a big miss he is already. United missed their young striker’s presence and his ability to occupy central defenders. Whenever he’s done this, it means opposition full-backs have to push out and close down Garnacho and Rashford’s movements, moving them further away from the defensive line.
It seems as though at the moment, if you take one working component out of this United team it functions much less effectively. Even with how vulnerable United looked in the games they won (Luton, Aston Villa, Wolves) their attack looked sharp enough to hit back. With Højlund out that has become much tougher.
Ten Hag when quizzed on whether Højlund’s absence would derail United’s season said “Garnacho is scoring a lot of goals, Rashy is capable. In our last games, the front line is an absolute threat, they score so is it Rasmus only? No.”
The Dutchman was mainly trying to state that United can be a threat without the young striker to keep spirits up before Fulham. But a manager who has bemoaned injuries all season will know how much of a loss Højlund is and he’ll be wanting him back as soon as possible.
It took a little time, but we’re seeing the confidence, goals and style of play he exuded at Atalanta come to light.
Højlund can lead a vibrant, exciting, young attack for Manchester United next season. Regardless of who the manager will be, he’ll be relying on the Dane’s eye for goal.
(Images from IMAGO)
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