Amorim should now sideline Hojlund to unlock a new role for Manchester United’s “genius.”

It all comes down to this—a decisive match that could shape not only Manchester United’s season but also the club’s long-term direction.

 

A win in the Europa League final would secure Champions League football next season, bringing in more revenue and strengthening their hand in upcoming transfer talks.

 

It would also mark a positive start to Ruben Amorim’s reign, offering a much-needed boost after a tough Premier League campaign.

 

Despite Amorim insisting that lifting the trophy wouldn’t redeem their poor season, the thought of ending it trophyless and near the relegation zone is hard to ignore.

 

Manchester United must win this game. Unfortunately, Tottenham Hotspur are just as desperate, eager to end a 17-year wait for silverware.

 

In a clash of this magnitude, Amorim can’t afford to carry any passengers—and right now, Rasmus Hojlund is underwhelming.

 

While Postecoglou chose to rest key players for Spurs’ recent match, Amorim fielded a strong lineup against Chelsea, likely as a dress rehearsal for the final.

 

Despite a promising start and Maguire’s disallowed goal, United came up short again, lacking sharpness in the final third.

 

That marked their eighth straight league game without victory, with few real chances—Amad Diallo’s late attempt the closest effort.

 

Hojlund, meanwhile, was largely invisible at Stamford Bridge, failing to register a shot and losing the ball 13 times from 26 touches.

 

He also didn’t complete any successful dribbles and managed only 65% pass accuracy, winning just 2 of 11 duels—a troubling pattern.

 

Although Amorim claimed he’s “really happy” with the Dane, it may be more motivational talk than honest assessment, especially given the lack of alternatives.

 

With just 10 goals this season—only four in the league—it may be time to consider a different centre-forward for the final.

 

Joshua Zirkzee is recovering from injury but was spotted training with the squad, though it’s unclear if he’ll feature.

 

Another option could be deploying Kobbie Mainoo up front again, despite the experiment failing in February when he faded after 15 minutes.

 

Maguire might be useful only in late-game desperation, especially with concerns about defensive stability due to De Ligt’s form.

 

Amorim could instead push Bruno Fernandes into a false nine role—an option not yet tested in his current 3-4-3 setup.

 

Fernandes has played centrally before, including last season’s FA Cup final, and his versatility could balance the midfield and sharpen the attack.

 

Flanked by Garnacho, Amad, or Mount, Bruno could form a dynamic trio capable of exposing Spurs’ vulnerable backline.

 

His ability to drop deep and drag defenders out of position might trouble Van de Ven and Romero more than Hojlund’s predictable approach.

 

As The Athletic pointed out, Spurs look elite with their top centre-backs—but without pressure, they dominate easily.

 

Getting at that duo is key, and Fernandes might offer the disruption needed—unlike the ineffective Hojlund.

 

Yes, it’s risky to change the striker for a final, but based on form alone, Hojlund hasn’t earned an automatic place in the lineup.