There are signs that Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United project may yet take off.
The summer transfer window will be crucial. How the Red Devils navigate the market months will no doubt hold sway when it comes to the narrative in 2025/26. Will United turn a corner, or loop back to weary road’s already travelled?
Let’s dig into the most noticeable potential departure. Rasmus Hojlund has had a tough time this season, but there’s evidence that he should indeed be sold.
Man United’s biggest winner from the international break
Hojlund scored the only goal as Denmark beat Portugal in the opening leg of their Nations League quarter-final tie in Copenhagen on Thursday night.
His reaction fanned the flames of social media discourse, having copied Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘siu’ celebration.
CR7 got the last laugh, as he so often has throughout his incredible career. Portugal defeated the Danes 5-2 (5-3 on aggregate) to advance to the penultimate stage, with 40-year-old Ronaldo notching his 135th goal for his nation.
It served as a reality check for Hojlund, 22, who was well-marshalled after scoring on Thursday. Indeed, he managed to strike on goal once but lost five of eight contested duels, as per Sofascore, failed with both his dribble attempts and failed to impose himself on the game.
Such has been the story of his season. Manchester United’s striker, who joined from Atalanta in a deal worth £72m in 2023, has regressed hugely this term, scoring just three goals across 24 Premier League matches.
Fabrizio Romano has already confirmed there appears to be tentative interest from Italian clubs and that the expectation is the number nine will be sold.
However, he’s not the only one, with another United member flattering to deceive on the same pitch as Hojlund on Sunday evening. He needs to be sold.
Man United’s biggest loser from the international break
No, we’re not talking about Bruno Fernandes; the Portugal star is the linchpin of Amorim’s project, posting 12 goals and eight assists across 27 matches.
We are, however, drawing attention to Diogo Dalot, who wasn’t great against Denmark in both legs and may well follow Hojlund out the door this summer.
Journalist Alex Crook commented earlier this month that Dalot, 26, has “regressed” this season, lacking the completeness that United need at right wing-back. With just 22 goal involvements across 202 Man United appearances, he doesn’t have the attacking consistency Amorim would expect either.
|
Diogo Dalot – Performances vs Denmark |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stats |
1st leg |
2nd leg |
|
Minutes played |
66′ |
81′ |
|
Touches |
46 |
48 |
|
Accurate passes |
25/33 (76%) |
26/30 (87%) |
|
Key passes |
2 |
0 |
|
Possession lost |
10x |
11x |
|
Dribbles |
0/1 |
0/2 |
|
Tackles + interceptions |
2 |
4 |
|
Clearances |
1 |
1 |
|
Duels won |
1/4 |
3/8 |
|
Errors |
0 |
1 |
|
Stats via Sofascore |
||
Pencilling down their post-match thoughts after Monday’s win, Portuguese outlet Portugoal handed Dalot a rather flat 5/10 rating, writing: ‘Dalot is not a game-breaker – no shots, no key passes, no completed dribbles, and no surprise if and when Cancelo returns to the starting XI in June.’
Indeed, one careless throw-in after the interval nearly led to a damaging Denmark goal, something which may well have swung the pendulum away from the Iberian nation.
It typifies Dalot’s issues. He’s not sharp enough on the ball, creating little despite squandering possession regularly.
Further, the 26-year-old isn’t strong enough in the duel and doesn’t carry the ball as well as he could.
Man United need to strive for greatness, and selling Dalot will be part of the slow but steady solution.
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