As the Europa League final approaches, manager Ruben Amorim faces several selection dilemmas, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the starting lineup in Bilbao, especially in light of the club’s ongoing domestic struggles.
One position that is almost predetermined is that of the centre-forward, where the Portuguese coach is compelled to rely on the underperforming Rasmus Hojlund due to a lack of viable alternatives.
The Red Devils have also been dealt a significant setback with the loss of Joshua Zirkzee for what appears to be the remainder of the season, a player who had recently scored against both Real Sociedad and Lyon during consecutive away matches.
Furthermore, the decision to exclude 17-year-old prodigy Chido Obi from the Europa League squad may have backfired, leaving Hojlund as the sole senior striker available for the tournament. With upcoming matches against Chelsea and Aston Villa in the Premier League, it may be prudent for Amorim to consider a different strategy, potentially overlooking a viable option within the academy.
How Man Utd can replace Hojlund
Given the upcoming match at Stamford Bridge on Friday, just five days before the pivotal encounter with Tottenham Hotspur next Wednesday, it may be prudent to rest Hojlund, especially considering his recent performance against West Ham United where he failed to score.
This change could allow young Obi to be included in the lineup, although he is still developing and has not scored in his seven first-team appearances this season. Despite being described as ‘a goal machine’ at the academy level by analyst Ben Mattinson, the transition to senior football has proven challenging for him.
Journalist Samuel Luckhurst remarked that he appeared as ‘an underdeveloped 17-year-old boy among men’ during his first start in the 4-3 loss to Brentford. Amorim later acknowledged that Obi had been ‘naive’ in his physical play against Brentford, as evidenced by his mere nine passes and winning only two of nine duels attempted.
His exclusion from the Europa League squad suggests that Obi may not yet be fully prepared to lead the first team, having possibly been introduced too early due to Hojlund’s struggles. Other alternatives might include Kobbie Mainoo in a false nine position, with Bruno Fernandes or Amad also viable options, though Amorim might consider exploring further within the academy for an internal solution.
Man Utd could be brewing Amorim’s next Gyokeres
Amorim is likely frustrated by the absence of a reliable striker in Manchester. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres is thriving at Sporting CP in Lisbon, having scored 95 goals in just 100 matches for the club. Of those, 66 goals were netted in 68 games under Amorim’s management since his transfer from Coventry City in the summer of 2023, leading to speculation about a potential reunion at Old Trafford next season.
However, the new United manager may already have an exciting attacking prospect in 18-year-old Victor Musa, who is currently excelling in the youth academy. Musa, a tall centre-forward similar to the 6-foot-2 Gyokeres, has made a significant impact this season at the U18 level after overcoming injury setbacks last year.
He has scored 16 goals in just 19 matches in the U18 Premier League for the 2024/25 season, including an impressive six-goal performance in a 13-1 victory against Leeds United last month. This match highlighted his striking capabilities, as Musa effectively led the attack, frequently cutting in from the right flank and demonstrating a keen poacher’s instinct in the penalty area.
A player capable of playing on the wings when necessary, similar to Gyokeres in his past career, this versatile talent is currently at the center of a competition between Spain and England regarding his international commitment, having represented both countries at the youth level.
Reports suggest he is being considered as United’s equivalent to Barcelona’s superstar, Lamine Yamal, highlighting the high regard in which the left-footed player is held at present. With Hojlund in need of a break and Obi still appearing inexperienced, Musa may deserve an opportunity to make an impression against the Blues, whether from the bench or as a surprising starter in west London.
Amorim must identify his next Gyokeres-like attacking leader, either through the transfer market or by utilizing an internal option. Why not allow Musa the opportunity to demonstrate why he could serve as a homegrown alternative to the Swedish sensation?
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