Ruben Amorim sent a message to the Manchester United board about how satisfied he was with his current striker options in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. Kobbie Mainoo’s inclusion as the spearhead of Amorim’s team – while Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee started on the bench – raised eyebrows.
However, Ally McCoist believes the United boss’ decision was just as much a message to Hojlund as it was to his higher-ups amid a regressive second season.
The 22-year-old striker was United’s top goalscorer in his debut season, netting 16 times, but has managed just two in 19 Premier League games this term.
Zirkzee hasn’t been any more prolific since his £36.5million arrival from Bologna in the summer, recording just three goals in 24 league outings.
The pair’s toothlessness in front of goal has sparked an expectation that United will dip into the striker market again in the summer transfer window.
Amorim has been strongly tipped to push for a reunion with Sporting superstar Viktor Gyokeres, suggestions that have intensified during his side’s goalscoring woes.
And McCoist believes the Portuguese tactician’s decision to start Mainoo – a natural midfielder – up front against Palace throws Hojlund’s future into doubt.
“Yeah, but not only was Ruben Amorim sending a message to the board, but he was also sending a bigger message to Rasmus Hojlund. That’s what he was doing,” McCoist told Express Sport for talkSPORT BET.
“I mean, dear me. If Rasmus Hojlund was low before and down in the dumps because he wasn’t scoring goals, I don’t know where he is now because that was a message to Rasmus Hojlund. There’s no doubt about it.
“I’ve watched United enough this season to know they are crying out, not just for centre forward; I think Manchester United look as though they need about eight players.
“Can you believe I’m saying that? They are a team that looks as though they need eight players before they start challenging at the top again.
“And the one thing about Ruben Amorim, I don’t think there’s any disputing that he’s a great coach, but the magnitude of the task is absolutely humongous.
“And in doing that at the weekend, yeah, a massive message to the board, but also, I don’t know where Rasmus Hojlund goes from there, and Joshua Zirkzee, I don’t know where they go.”
Disgruntled supporters clamoured for United to sign a striker in January, but nothing came to fruition as the club looked ahead to the summer.
The Red Devils will reportedly listen to offers for all senior squad players, undoubtedly including Hojlund and Zirkzee.
But an established goalscorer is set to sit at the top of Amorim’s wishlist ahead of his first full season in the Old Trafford hot seat.
