Alan Shearer, the former striker for Newcastle United, believes that Ruben Amorim does not see Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee as long-term fits for Manchester United. Amorim began significant alterations to the team at Old Trafford during the January transfer window, with Antony and Marcus Rashford being the primary players to leave the club. Nevertheless, due to the limitations faced by managers during the winter period, more activity is anticipated next summer as the newly appointed Portuguese head coach seeks to modify the team further. According to the Manchester Evening News, United chose against acquiring a striker during the January transfer window because they intended to reserve their funds for the summer when additional acquisitions could be pursued. During their 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday, the Reds began the match without a designated centre-forward, with Hojlund and Zirkzee left on the substitutes’ bench at Old Trafford. In an interview with Betfair, Shearer opined that this strategic choice by Amorim indicates that Hojlund and Zirkzee may not have a long future at United. “Ruben Amorim chose to play [Kobbie] Mainoo in the false nine role during the match against Crystal Palace on the weekend, and I can only assume that Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee must be feeling quite disheartened. They’ll likely be questioning whether they truly fit in and want to remain at the club when a new manager decides to use a midfielder in the false nine position instead of traditional strikers.” Both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are likely to feel somewhat demoralized, contemplating their desire to remain in their positions and questioning whether Amorim values their contributions. This is in reference to the Manchester United forwards. (Photo: Getty Images). It’s evident that he either doesn’t want them or doesn’t value them, as he is focused on achieving results that are currently lacking, yet he isn’t putting anyone forward either. You never really get a pass, yet I believe the issues at that football club run so deep that it’s necessary for someone to come in and have the time to dismantle it. “I understand they brought in a new full-back [Patrick Dorgu] in January, but it’s clear that it will take more than one transfer period to fix the club. I anticipate they’ll experience a lot more difficulties before they see any success.
