Manchester United legend Jaap Stam believes Ruben Amorim’s “style of play” has played a big part in Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles in front of goal this season.

The Dane has only scored three times in the Premier League and, asked for his thoughts on the striker, Stam said that Hojlund has had a lack of service:

“I think that it’s the style of play that is holding Rasmus Hojlund back. We don’t know how the manager is trying to use him in matches, and I think he doesn’t get a lot of chances to touch the ball and get into games.”

“It becomes a very difficult situation for a striker because you don’t see crosses coming into the box, and the emphasis should be on creating chances for him. If you don’t get chances, you can’t prove how good a striker you are.”

Hojlund hasn’t been shooting very often

Stam is definitely right to point towards the 22-year-old’s lack of shooting opportunities. He has averaged just 1.28 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season.

The big question is, though, how much is that down to Amorim’s system and how much of that is due to Hojlund not getting in the right positions. Even under Erik ten Hag last campaign, he only managed 1.58 shots per game. In contrast, Liverpool’s Mo Salah has averaged over 3 throughout his time in English football.

Other strikers have thrived under the Man Utd boss

While Hojlund may be struggling for goals, it was a very different story for Viktor Gyokeres when he played for Amorim during his first season at Sporting Lisbon.

The Swedish international scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 appearances. Of course, they are not playing in the same league but it does show you that Amorim can provide the ammunition for his forwards. It may simply be the case that United have spent £72m on a player who is not good enough.

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