A former Manchester United forward, deemed a flop under Erik ten Hag, is now outperforming current strikers Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund after leaving the club. With his resurgence in form, he is reportedly prepared to make a surprising return to Old Trafford.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim will soon have the chance to strengthen his squad as he aims to reverse the club’s disappointing start to the season. For now, the 39-year-old must work with the existing roster and develop a system to maximize a group of players who have underperformed after high pre-season expectations.

Currently, Manchester United sits in an underwhelming 13th position in the Premier League, having secured only four victories in their first 11 matches under former manager Erik ten Hag. Amorim’s debut match against Ipswich Town presents an ideal opportunity to secure three points, especially against a team still winless at Portman Road this season.

One major question surrounds the Portuguese manager’s choice of center-forward to lead the attack. Despite having several options at his disposal due to the club’s substantial investment in recent years, United’s attacking output has been lackluster, managing only ten league goals this season—less than Erling Haaland’s individual tally at Manchester City.

Evaluating United’s Forward Line
Marcus Rashford, primarily deployed on the flanks, might be tested as a central striker under Amorim. During Amorim’s first training session, Rashford trained in a forward role, hoping to rediscover the form that earned him 30 goals in the 2022/23 season.

Meanwhile, Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, who shared the striking responsibilities earlier this season, have struggled to make an impact. Højlund has scored just two goals in all competitions, while Zirkzee has only one to his name. Winger Alejandro Garnacho has surprisingly emerged as the club’s top Premier League scorer with three goals, edging out captain Bruno Fernandes.

The Weghorst Factor
Interestingly, former United loanee Wout Weghorst, now at Ajax, has outperformed both Zirkzee and Højlund this season. After being dismissed as “not good enough” for United, the 32-year-old has thrived in the Eredivisie, scoring four goals in nine matches. Comparatively, Weghorst averages a goal every 101 minutes this season, far better than Højlund (320 minutes per goal) and Zirkzee (699 minutes per goal).

The Road Ahead
Amorim faces the challenge of revitalizing the attack, getting the best out of underwhelming signings, and deciding whether reinforcements are needed in January. If the current forwards fail to deliver, changes will be imperative to avoid another season of mediocrity.

Ruben Amorim’s appointment at Manchester United signals a fresh start after a disappointing beginning to the season. However, the challenge ahead is substantial, especially in addressing the team’s glaring issues in attack. With just 10 league goals in 11 matches, United’s inefficiency upfront has played a significant role in their current 13th-place standing.

### **Amorim’s Tactical Dilemma**
A key question for the Portuguese manager is how to configure the forward line to maximize productivity. Amorim has been known for his adaptable, possession-oriented systems at Sporting CP, often using fluid attacking setups that prioritize intelligent movement and quick transitions. This philosophy could benefit players like **Marcus Rashford**, who thrives in dynamic systems, or even a reinvigorated **Alejandro Garnacho**, who has shown promise as United’s most reliable scorer this season.

### **Striker Options: Who Leads the Line?**
1. **Rasmus Højlund**
Despite his physical presence and work rate, the young Dane has struggled to find his footing in the Premier League, with just two goals across all competitions. Amorim might consider whether Højlund needs more tactical support or a change in role to unlock his potential.

2. **Joshua Zirkzee**
Brought in as an alternative option, Zirkzee has yet to justify his price tag, with just one goal in 699 minutes. His technical ability and link-up play align with Amorim’s style, but his lack of finishing raises concerns.

3. **Marcus Rashford**
Traditionally a winger, Rashford’s training as a central striker under Amorim suggests a willingness to experiment. Given his proven goal-scoring record, a shift to the center could reignite his confidence and effectiveness.

4. **Alejandro Garnacho**
Garnacho’s development under Amorim will be crucial. While primarily a winger, his instinctive finishing and willingness to take risks could make him a wildcard option in more central areas.

### **Lessons from Wout Weghorst**
The comparisons to former loanee **Wout Weghorst**, now thriving at Ajax, underline United’s striking woes. Weghorst’s superior scoring rate this season highlights how United’s current strikers have fallen short. Although he was dismissed as not fitting United’s ambitions, his Eredivisie form suggests that proper tactical utilization can make even a perceived limited player valuable.

### **Short-Term Fixes and Long-Term Solutions**
Amorim must quickly implement a system that extracts the best from the current roster while identifying gaps that must be addressed in January. Potential strategies include:

– **Tactical Adjustments:** Deploying Rashford centrally or Garnacho in a free-attacking role could shake up the stagnant offense.
– **Improved Service:** Midfield creativity, particularly from Bruno Fernandes, must be optimized to provide better opportunities for the strikers.
– **Squad Morale:** Restoring confidence in underperforming players like Højlund and Zirkzee could turn their seasons around.

### **Transfer Market Considerations**
If results do not improve, the January window will be critical. United may target a proven goal-scorer or an experienced striker who can lead the line immediately. Possible targets include:

– **Experienced Forwards:** Players like Harry Kane (unlikely) or Romelu Lukaku could fit the mold.
– **Emerging Talents:** Young, dynamic forwards such as Gonçalo Ramos might align with Amorim’s style.

### **The Ipswich Opportunity**
The upcoming match against Ipswich Town is a perfect litmus test for Amorim’s immediate impact. A victory could build momentum and provide a morale boost, while another underwhelming performance may further amplify calls for drastic changes.

With time and the January window looming, Amorim has the tools and opportunity to turn United’s fortunes around. However, his success will depend on his ability to maximize the current squad while making astute reinforcements.