Credit: Imago

Chris Smith

Thu 31 July 2025 10:06, UK

Manchester United are facing a key decision regarding the futures of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

The strikers were extremely disappointing last season, registering just seven Premier League goals combined as the Red Devils slumped to 15th.

United’s defeat to Spurs in the Europa League final means there will be no European football at Old Trafford this season, meaning drastic improvement is required.

Both Hojlund and Zirkzee have been linked with moves away this summer as Ruben Amorim seeks to drastically improve his squad, but now, the Portuguese manager’s decision may have been made a little easier.

Amorim heaps praise on Hojlund after Man United win

United thrashed Bournemouth 4-1 in Chicago during the early hours of Thursday morning (UK time), racing into a 4-0 lead before a late Matthijs de Ligt own goal.

It was Hojlund who opened the scoring after just eight minutes, getting in front of Marcos Sensi to head home a cross from Patrick Dorgu.

That was one of just two touches Hojlund had inside the opposition box. However, he did contest five duels, complete 67% of his passes and win one foul during his 71 minutes on the pitch (Flashscore).

Not perfect numbers, but enough to draw praise from Amorim, who was pleased with Hojlund’s link-up play and ability to cause a problem for defenders.

“The important thing I think is that people focus on the goals and we suffer a lot because of the lack of goals,” Amorim said after the match (Sky Sports, 31 July).

“I think not just the goals, but the way he connects the play every time we have to kick the ball [long].

“The ability for him to hold the defender and to connect in support is helping us a lot to play better, and we are playing better because he’s playing better.”

Amorim was then questioned regarding the club’s interest in Benjamin Sesko, but instead took the chance to once again praise Hojlund.

“I’m really happy with Rasmus,” said Amorim. “I don’t know what is going to happen until the end of the market. The important thing is that the strikers that are here are working really well, are improving, are helping the team, and that is the most important thing.”

Amorim set for Hojlund vs Zirkzee decision

Man United are understood to be ahead of Newcastle in the race to sign Sesko, who was previously a target for Arsenal before they signed Viktor Gyokeres.

But if the Slovenia international arrives at Old Trafford, it’s almost certain that a striker will have to leave to make room.

Both Hojlund and Zirkzee have been linked with exits this summer, but despite the latter performing better in per 90 statistics last season, Amorim’s insistence on praising the former suggests he’s already made his decision.

Football Insider sources recently revealed that Inter are keeping tabs on Zirkzee’s situation, while Serie A rivals Atalanta are also understood to be interested in the Dutchman.

Serie A has also been whispered as a summer destination for Hojlund, but with the Dane performing well in pre-season so far, he may have put himself above Zirkzee to extend his United career and give himself another chance.