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Manchester United’s forward players have disappointed big time this season with the Red Devils currently the fifth-lowest scorers in the Premier League.
Rasmus Hojlund has been the biggest disappointment, managing only two goals in the English top-flight this term and is currently without a goal in his last 16 games.
Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has been inconsistent at best, with Ruben Amorim admitting that the Dutchman is not a natural No 9.
With Marcus Rashford no longer at the club, Amad out for the season and Alejandro Garnacho’s finishing letting him down, the onus is on the aforementioned duo, signed for a combined £100 million, to come up with goals but they have failed spectacularly so far.
United’s underperforming strike force
Plenty have pointed to the lack of service they receive but in the Dane’s case, he seems to be more interested in physical duels with opposition centre-backs instead of trying to outsmart them.
Former United cult hero Federico Macheda, scorer of “that” winner against Aston Villa back in 2009, has been asked about what he feels about the current United forward line.
Called the “best finisher in the club” by legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, the Italian refused to be too critical of Hojlund and Zirkzee but did admit that he could do a better job than them at the moment.
“Now? At 33? I think I could play there. Yes. Do better? I don’t know. I must say it’s not easy to play for Manchester United now but I think I could still play there,” he told The Sun.
“Personally, I like Zirkzee and Hojlund. The club is under pressure. The situation is not easy for any striker, even if you put Lewandowski in the team.
“But as a player, I can see myself playing there at the moment. A couple of games if Ruben Amorim needs me! I know the Premier League level. It’s very difficult but I could play there. Why not?”
Currently playing his trade for Greek outfit Asteras Tripolis, the 33-year-old admitted that he still keeps tabs on his former club and just like United fans, he is also hurt after seeing the club’s current predicament.
However, he backed Amorim to get the club back to the top and urged INEOS to back the Portuguese tactician, asking for a complete reset at the club by bringing in young talents instead of going after big names, as was the norm a while back.
Macheda backs Amorim
“I like Amorim even if you don’t see the results, maybe sometimes they play bad football. It’s difficult because for a club to be successful, you need great players.
“United doesn’t have the team at the moment to win the Premier League. They have good players but if you put any coach in, it wouldn’t change a lot. There are only a few leaders: Bruno, Maguire, Lisandro. But it’s not enough.
“Maybe the others are not ready to play for this club. Amorim should keep the legacy and history at Manchester United going by rebuilding like they used to with young players. Then I believe the wind will change.
“If they trust Amorim and give him time, bring in the right players and change some things in the club like the bad mentality, I believe Manchester United will be back in two to three years.”
Fans will hope Macheda’s words ring true in the next couple of years.
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