Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee ‘subjects of Man Utd board and Ruben Amorim discussions'

Manchester United are hopeful that incoming manager Ruben Amorim can revitalise the careers of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. Both young strikers have yet to win fans over since their big-money transfers.

Hojlund, who joined from Atalanta in the summer of 2023, has struggled for consistency despite being United’s main striker, with a record of 18 goals in 53 appearances. After an injury-hit start to the season, the 21-year-old has only managed two goals and hasn’t scored since mid-October.

Doubts also surround Zirkzee, a summer acquisition from Bologna. The 23-year-old started his United career brightly, scoring in the opening-weekend victory over Fulham, but hasn’t found the back of the net since.

Reports suggest that Erik ten Hag was displeased with the signing of the Dutch striker. While Amorim, who starts work on Monday, will likely bring in new faces during upcoming transfer windows, he must also maximise the potential of his current squad.

The Portuguese coach demonstrated his ability to develop players at Sporting, with this week’s hat-trick hero against Manchester City, Victor Gyokeres, being a prime example. The 26-year-old Swede, a shining example of a late bloomer in football, was playing Championship football with Coventry just 18 months ago.

Overlooked by big clubs early on in his career, Gyokeres has been on fire at Sporting, racking up an incredible 66 goals in 67 matches since his £20m transfer in 2023. His exceptional form has caught the attention of United chiefs.

According to the Independent, discussions at Old Trafford have touched upon how incoming boss Amorim might boost Hojlund and Zirkzee’s fortunes, with the pair coming up in talks with Amorim.

While Ruud van Nistelrooy is gearing up to manage United’s squad for one last match before Amorim takes the reins, it remains uncertain if he will remain part of the club’s coaching team long-term. Ahead of the Sunday clash with Leicester, Van Nistelrooy reflected: “First of all, it was a special period – it is still, of course.

“I called it an important period because I think it was important to get through the four games as good as we could. I think we’ve done very well so far. The players have reacted very well in the games.

“Obviously the focus now is to build on that and show that on Sunday with a big game ahead and a massive three points that are there to win. I don’t know if it will be very emotional. I take it very pragmatic as well, although I am proud to be able to fulfil this.

“We’ll see how I feel on Sunday and other than that, there’s not much more news than yesterday evening.”