Amorim defends Man Utd youngster after defeat at Chelsea: ‘He is improving’ | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim insists he is happy with Rasmus Hojlund despite the striker’s struggles in front of goal this season.

Hojlund again failed to find the net as Manchester United were beaten 1-0 at Stamford Bridge by Chelsea.

The 22-year-old has managed just four goals in 31 league games this season but speaking after the defeat, Amorim backed his striker.

“I’m happy,” he insisted. “Of course all the team has to improve.

“The way he ran, he fights for every ball, loses a lot of duels, wins some duels. He needs to improve the connection but he’s improving so I’m really happy with him.

“He just needs to continue to work hard and better days will come.”

The loss to Chelsea was United’s 18th league defeat of the season, with Amorim’s side languishing down in 16th on just 39 points.

“We have full acknowledgement of that,” Amorim said on his side’s league position. “We already talk about that. Nothing is going to change this season.”

United could, however, still qualify for the Champions League should they beat Tottenham in the Europa League final next Wednesday and Amorim urged his players to now forget about their league form.

“The best way is to prepare for the final and try to win a trophy this season and then prepare the next one,” Amorim continued.

“We know we are struggling a lot but that is in the past, we have to look at the present and prepare for the final then next season.”

Despite the final approaching and Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou opting to rest several key players in their defeat to Aston Villa, Amorim instead went with a near full strength side and explaining that decision, he said: “I think the best way to prepare for the final when you have time to fully recover and prepare the next game, is just to compete. And we are at Manchester United so we need to compete in every game.”