Ruben Amorim told his players to stop “fighting” between themselves after Rasmus Hojlund raged in Diogo Dalot because he was unable to make a big chance against Real Sociedad.
Hojlund's infertile run for the goal now extends to 19 games and his frustration cooked in the first half in Spain when he had the teammate Dalot tearing because he did not make what seemed an obvious square pass in the box that the Dane would have given the chance to tap in a opener.
United then opened the score by Hojlund's fellow attacker Joshua Zirkzee-a much needed goal for him-but Real Sociedad was the same with a second half of a fine and the first stage of the Europa League Last-16-equal performance ended with 1-1.
Hojlund's starting place against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, will now certainly be threatened by the rising teenager Star Chido Obi. The 17-year-old was not available for the Europa League trip, but will insist on a chance against his former club to build on his recent encouraging cameies from the bank in Old Trafford.
“I think it's hard to say, but I just imagine that Diogo is not sure that Rasmus has the advantage,” Amorim said about the missed opportunity to Sociedad.
“I know for sure, they want to score goals and win games, so they all do their best. Sometimes they want to do the best, but they don't decide the best way in that position.
“It was a clear situation. Rasmus was doing really well, Dalot was doing really well, the decision was not the best.
“The most important thing is to continue and not stay like they, fight and let's continue with the next occasion.”
Hojlund did not succeed in shooting a single shot in the game.
When Amorim was asked about his performance, he said: “He tries very hard. He gave everything, he made the runs.
“We know that Real Sociedad has a high line and he uses his pace to win, to fight. The other is that he will appear at the right time, he must continue to play, not be anxious.
“In that position with Diogo he did a great run, in the position, sometimes the ball comes, sometimes not. In the following way he has to think in the next game in the following way.”
Is it Chido Time on Sunday?
OBI has only made two short Premier League performances, but there is excitement about what the former Arsenal Youth Team player could bring to the Front Line of United.
He scored famous 10 goals in a single academy match against Liverpool in November 2023 and showed a glimpse of his potential during a replacement appearance in the FA Cup loss for Fulham last weekend.
OBI has not been added to the Squad of United for the Europa League-Knock-Routphase and it is clear that the club is careful not to overload him with pressure and responsibility, but with the Premier League campaign of the team nowhere, a run-out against Arsenal seems more and more likely.
It would also give Hojlund the opportunity to rest and reset for the most important second leg with Real Sociedad next Thursday. The progress of United in the competition is essential, with the winners of the Europa League on a route to the Champions League for next season.
Analysis: Where do the goals come from for Man Utd?
Sky Sports' Zinty Boswell:
The Europa League is a nice escape for Amorim from his nightmare start as head coach of Manchester United in the interior.
But one thing he can't get away is the fact that he is in charge of a team that does not score enough.
Zirkzee's goal in the draw at Real Sociedad was only his second of 2025 and would have been saved if the real Sociedad -goalkeeper Alex Remiro had paid attention.
Alejandro Garnacho, without a goal in 22 games, and Hojlund, without a goal in 19, did not score in this calendar year. Not the type of front three to bring fear into the opposition, right?
That is all that Amorim now has to play with thanks to the failure to add teenage striker OBI to the Europa League team on time for the knockout phase. It is also the reason why United could only call five Outfield players on the couch in Spain.
And even when Hojlund, who takes the most anti -aircraft weather for the striking problems of United, was able to score, gave his teammate, Dalot, the chance to put the ball on a plate for him. He was understandably furious with decision -making.
It is a regrettable state of affairs and lets Amorim swim against the tide.
United can take faith in the second stage after their performance at the Anoeta Stadium, but this inescapable reality will be at Amorim while fighting to keep the season alive.
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