Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro of Manchester United look dejected at the final whistle after drawing 2-2 with Olympique Lyonnais (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has stated that he is unperturbed by his strikers’ lack of goals, claiming they are in the right direction as a team.
The Portuguese defended Rasmus Hojlund once again on Thursday after the Danish star failed to find the back of the net in their 2-2 draw against Lyon in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg.
Hojlund featured for 63 minutes at the Groupama Stadium before he was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee, who went on to score United’s second goal with a header in the 88th minute.
The goal was not enough to inspire the Red Devils to victory in Lyon, as they were pegged back to a draw late in stoppage time.
The two goals in Lyon put an end to Manchester United’s barren run after failing to score in their last two games.
United strikers Zirkzee and Hojlund have 15 goals between them this season, with captain Bruno Fernandes leading the team with 16 goals in all competitions.
Ahead of the Premier League trip to Newcastle United on Sunday, Amorim told RG in a press conference: “The first step to score goals is to create chances and we are doing that, we scored two goals tonight [against Lyon].
“In this competition [Europa League], we can score so it is something that is different from, for example, the Premier League. We have to continue to do the same thing and improve in the final third.
“We are improving the way we play football if you look at the team, so we will improve also in the attack. Again, if you look at the past of this team, maybe in last season, we had negative numbers in goal difference and of course, we need to change that.
“It is very important and of course, we scored two goals tonight so we are in the right step.”
Manchester United will be counting on the quartet of Hojlund, Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes to spark their attack for the crucial league trip to St. James’ Park and the return fixture of the Europa League quarter-final at Old Trafford next Thursday.
The Red Devils currently occupy 13th position in the Premier League table with 38 points from 31 matches.
Taiye Taiwo
With a global perspective on sports journalism, Taiye brings much experience covering sports across continents. He focuses particularly on football (soccer), basketball, and emerging sports trends. In addition to his versatile writing and deep understanding of the global sports landscape, his ability to blend cultural insights with detailed sports reporting has earned him a reputation as a go-to journalist for international sports coverage.
