In a recent training session, tensions escalated at Manchester United as striker Rasmus Hojlund expressed his dissatisfaction with manager Ruben Amorim’s conduct. Hojlund stated, “In as much as I respect Ruben Amorim, there are limits to insult that I can take. What he said to me in front of everybody in training yesterday is unprofessional, and I won’t take that from him even as my coach.”
This incident adds to a series of challenges faced by Amorim since his appointment in November. The Portuguese manager has struggled to improve United’s performance, with the team currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League. Recent matches have highlighted internal issues, including a peculiar scene where Amorim was seen standing alone on a different pitch during an open training session, leading fans to speculate about his state of mind.
Hojlund’s frustration isn’t isolated. In a recent Europa League match against Real Sociedad, he was seen going ‘ballistic’ at teammate Diogo Dalot for not passing the ball, highlighting on-field tensions. Additionally, Hojlund and Amad Diallo had a heated exchange following a win over Viktoria Plzen, reportedly due to missed passing opportunities.
Amorim’s tenure has been marked by criticism from club legends. Wayne Rooney labeled him “naive” for aiming to win the Premier League amidst the team’s struggles. Amorim responded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining high aspirations, even if immediate success seems distant.
The manager has also made tactical adjustments, such as implementing a 3-4-3 system, which players like Hojlund find challenging to adapt to. Hojlund admitted that Amorim’s tactics are “a lot to take in,” reflecting the squad’s ongoing adaptation process.
Despite these challenges, there have been positive moments. Hojlund credited Amorim’s advice for his two-goal performance against Bodo/Glimt, indicating that the manager’s guidance can yield results.
The recent training ground incident between Hojlund and Amorim underscores the mounting pressures within Manchester United. As the team navigates a tumultuous season, addressing internal conflicts and fostering unity will be crucial for restoring the club’s for
mer glory.