Manchester United fans have been through a lot, but this season is testing even the most loyal hearts. And if you ask manager Ruben Amorim, the problem isn’t a mystery—it’s right in front of everyone’s eyes.
If we don’t score goals, nothing matters,” Amorim admitted candidly after another disappointing league performance. And you know what? He’s absolutely right.
Let’s break down what’s really going on at Old Trafford.
A New Low in a Nightmare Season
United’s defeat to Wolves wasn’t just another loss—it was symbolic. It marked the ninth time in 22 Premier League matches under Amorim that the team failed to find the back of the net. Ouch.
In fact, United have only managed to score two or more goals in seven games since Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag back in November. Surprisingly, two of those performances came against powerhouses Manchester City and Liverpool—but those moments feel more like flashes in the pan rather than signs of progress.
Even worse? The Red Devils have only been in the lead for 218 minutes (excluding injury time) across all those games. That’s less than three full matches combined!
Rasmus Hojlund: Carrying the Weight Alone
With Joshua Zirkzee sidelined for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury, 22-year-old Rasmus Hojlund has become United’s only fit senior striker. That’s a lot to ask of a young player—especially one who’s struggling to find his rhythm.
Since Amorim’s arrival, Hojlund has netted just two goals in the Premier League. That stat tells its own story.
Alan Shearer’s Honest Assessment
Even Premier League legend Alan Shearer had his say:
I’m looking at a damaged player in Hojlund… He isn’t ready to lead the attack at a club like Man Utd.”
According to Shearer, the pressure on Hojlund is immense—and unfair. The young Danish forward, signed for a massive £72 million from Atalanta, is being asked to do the job of an experienced star. But confidence? That’s slipping away fast.
Missed by Inches, Miles Away Mentally
Against Wolves, Hojlund almost scored—almost. He came within inches of tapping in a low Alejandro Garnacho cross. But in the end, no touch, no goal.
Other than that, it was the usual hustle and grit from him. But let’s be honest: industry alone doesn’t win games. Goals do.
The argument that “he just needs one goal to get going” sounds familiar, doesn’t it? But the reality is a bit more complex. Besides a few good runs—like five goals in four games early under Amorim and eight in eight last season—Hojlund hasn’t proven he can lead the line for a top Premier League side. Not yet, anyway.
No Match for the Elite Strikers
Compare Hojlund’s impact to players like Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka, or even Chris Wood this season, and the gulf in class is obvious.
But Amorim’s hands are tied. He won’t (and frankly, can’t) drop the only fit striker he has.
He needs to score a goal, and he won’t if he’s out of the team,” Amorim said. “All I can do is keep working with him and show him videos.”
It’s a pragmatic approach, but the frustration is clear.
Not Just a One-Man Problem
Still, Amorim refuses to put all the blame on Hojlund.
It’s a team thing,” he explained. “If you look at our games, several players are missing big chances. It’s not just Rasmus.”
And he’s right. Outside of the bottom three teams, only Everton and West Ham have scored fewer goals than United this season—just 38 goals in total. That’s a damning stat for a club of this stature.
Old Trafford No Longer a Fortress
Here’s something that’ll sting: United have lost eight league games at home this season—their worst home record since 1962-63. And with matches against West Ham and Aston Villa still to come, they might even break that unwanted record.
It’s a far cry from the Old Trafford we once knew.
Looking for Bright Spots
Still, Amorim is trying to find silver linings. After the Wolves game, he praised:
- Tyler Fredricson (20 years old), who had a solid debut at centre-back, and
- Harry Amass (just 18!), who impressed at wing-back and sparked questions about why he wasn’t involved earlier in the season.
They’re young. They’re hungry. And maybe, just maybe, they’re part of the rebuild United desperately needs.
All Eyes on the Europa League
Let’s not sugarcoat it: United’s domestic season is in tatters. Which means Amorim’s only shot at redemption is Europe.
If United can somehow get past Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final, and then beat either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in the final, it might offer a glimmer of hope.
But as things stand, even Amorim is struggling to sell that dream.
We tell the fans the truth,” he said. “We lack a lot of things… We miss chances. If we don’t score, we don’t win.”
Hard to argue with that.
Vitor Pereira Shows What Could Have Been
What makes this all worse? Watching Wolves thrive under their own Portuguese manager, Vitor Pereira. Since arriving in December, he’s made a real impact—lifting them away from relegation danger and doing a league double over United in the process.
Pereira explained it simply:
“The most important thing is to create a connection with the people. I wanted to bring energy, confidence, and trust.”
That’s the kind of leadership United fans are craving. And right now, it’s something Amorim is still trying to establish.
So, What’s Next for United?
It all comes down to one thing: scoring goals. Until United find a way to consistently put the ball in the net, everything else—tactics, talent, effort—will be overshadowed.
Amorim knows the mountain he’s climbing. And while he’s got a plan, he also knows this season may be beyond saving domestically.
