Manchester United’s summer tour in the United States may have quietly signaled the end of Rasmus Højlund’s time as a starting striker. After confidently declaring to UK journalists in Chicago that he intended to remain at Old Trafford, the Danish forward could not have anticipated how quickly things would change. Days later, United sealed a £74 million move for Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, relegating Højlund to a peripheral role.
He played only 18 minutes in the final pre-season game against Everton before being left unused against Fiorentina and missing entirely from United’s opening two Premier League squads. Now, with Serie A champions Napoli searching for a replacement for the injured Romelu Lukaku, Højlund’s name is once again circulating in transfer discussions.
For a player who was once seen as central to Manchester United’s rebuild, his rapid demotion highlights both the ruthlessness of top-level football and the pressure on new boss Rúben Amorim to deliver goals after a historically poor attacking return last season.
Goals Still Hard to Come By
Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Fulham followed a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, leaving them with just one goal in two league matches – and that, ironically, was a Rodrigo Muniz own goal. Across four matches since pre-season, Manchester United have scored only four times: a penalty, two own goals, and Mason Mount’s solitary strike from open play.
Such numbers are alarming given the £200m spent on Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. Amorim’s blueprint of a fluid, pressing frontline has yet to materialize as his forwards appear more like a collection of individuals than a cohesive unit. Fulham boss Marco Silva’s sharp assessment cut to the heart of Manchester United’s struggles: “In the second half, their best chances were set-pieces, nothing more.”
The expected goals (xG) data underscores the concern. United registered 1.52 xG against Arsenal and 1.62 against Fulham, producing 32 shots but failing to score through their forwards. The pieces are there, but the puzzle remains unsolved.
Bright Spots in Cunha and Mbeumo’s Early Displays for Manchester United
Despite the lack of goals, not everything is bleak. Matheus Cunha has already shown flashes of brilliance, nearly scoring with an audacious effort against Fulham after controlling a 70-yard pass with sublime skill. Later in the same game, he struck the post following a slick move involving Mount. The Brazilian’s technical ability and work rate have earned him early plaudits, with many suggesting it is only a matter of time before he opens his account.
Bryan Mbeumo, meanwhile, has offered energy and directness. Though denied clear scoring opportunities by Fulham’s rapid full-back Antonee Robinson, the Cameroonian forward’s pressing and movement have been instrumental in stretching defenses. Both he and Cunha appear to be bedding in well, but United’s lack of chemistry in the final third continues to blunt their overall threat.
Sesko’s late cameo at Craven Cottage demonstrated glimpses of his potential, though Amorim was quick to note that the Slovenian striker is still adjusting to the pace and intensity of the Premier League. His integration will be vital in converting United’s promise into productivity.
Manchester United Coach Amorim’s Belief Versus Harsh Realities
Manager Rúben Amorim remains publicly optimistic. He insists the team is “creating so many chances” and that goals will inevitably follow. He has also stressed the advantage of not competing in Europe this season, giving his squad time on the training ground to build cohesion.
However, time is a luxury Manchester United cannot afford indefinitely. After finishing 15th last season, they now sit 16th after two games. Their upcoming fixture against newly promoted Burnley already carries weight – not only as an opportunity to secure three points but also as a platform for their new signings to silence doubts.
Manchester United fans have been told improvements are being made, but with over £200m invested in attack, patience is wearing thin. Without a breakthrough soon, chatter around wasted spending and tactical misfires will only grow louder.
Fernandes’ Miss Adds to Frustration
Any post-match inquest at Craven Cottage was intensified by Bruno Fernandes’ costly penalty miss. The captain sent his spot-kick soaring over the bar after a bizarre incident in which referee Chris Kavanagh accidentally collided with him during his run-up preparation. Fernandes later admitted he was “upset” at the lack of apology from the referee, though he refused to use the interruption as an excuse for his poor strike.
The miss not only deprived United of a vital lead but also raised fresh scrutiny over their reliability in high-pressure moments. Former Manchester United men Gary Neville and Ashley Young suggested the referee’s collision could have unsettled Fernandes’ rhythm, but the Portuguese midfielder shouldered the blame.
It was a symbolic moment: Manchester United had their chance to seize control, but squandered it. For a club desperately trying to reestablish itself as a force, such lapses encapsulate the teething troubles of a side still learning to gel.
