Manchester United’s attack has been under the microscope in recent months, with Ruben Amorim navigating the challenges of limited squad depth and fixture congestion.
Fans have noted how the front line has often relied heavily on a few key players, particularly during critical moments in the Europa League and Premier League campaigns.
Squad rotation has been minimal, leaving supporters concerned about the wear and tear on United’s stars.
New signings and young prospects are gradually integrating, but the pressure on the starting XI has remained intense, especially when injuries strike.
Observers have suggested that the team’s attacking strategy has occasionally been constrained by a lack of alternatives, forcing players to shoulder heavy burdens.
It was during the final months of last season that Rasmus Hojlund faced one of his toughest challenges.
His struggles to regain form were complicated by a foot issue he carried throughout this period, as revealed by The Athletic.
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Allowing the injury to heal would have sidelined him for up to three weeks, but United’s critical Europa League campaign and a lack of alternatives meant Rasmus Hojlund had little choice but to keep playing.
He became Amorim’s only recognised striker following Joshua Zirkzee’s redeployment as a No 10 and the subsequent hamstring injury that effectively ruled Zirkzee out of the final stages of the season.
United also decided against registering 17-year-old Chido Obi in their European squad, leaving Hojlund as the focal point of their attack.
Those close to the situation say Hojlund himself wanted to continue playing rather than rest, understanding the importance of the period for the club.
Despite the foot problem, he started nine of United’s final 10 matches, including the Europa League final in Bilbao.
Speaking this summer, Hojlund reflected on the experience: “You’re not going to tell me that I shouldn’t be playing because I want to play every game, but obviously I could have done with some help in sharing the games a bit, especially in the beginning,” he said in Chicago.
Hojlund’s determination highlights both his personal commitment and the challenges facing Amorim in balancing player fitness with team performance.
Hojlund’s move to Napoli on loan this season offers him a fresh start to regain full fitness and form away from the relentless demands he faced at Manchester United.
United supporters can admire his resilience while recognising the risks of overexertion, underlining the need for strategic rotation and careful management in future campaigns.
