Jaap Stam claims Ruben Amorim is 'holding back' Manchester United star
Manchester United have struggled in front of goal so far this season and former Red Devils star Jaap Stam believes manager Ruben Amorim is to blame for their woes
Manchester United legend Jaap Stam believes Ruben Amorim's style of play is "holding Rasmus Hojlund back". Hojlund has scored just three Premier League goals in 24 games and endured a run of 21 matches without a goal earlier this season.
Fellow striker Joshua Zirkzee has also managed just three league goals in 29 appearances and Stam, who was part of United's legendary treble winning side in 1999, believes Amorim is to blame for the club's attacking woes.
"I think that it's the style of play that is holding Rasmus Holjund back," Stam told Makthavare.se. "We don't know how the manager is trying to use him in matches and I think he doesn't get a lot of chances to touch the ball and get into games.
"It becomes a very difficult situation for a striker because you don't see crosses coming into the box and the emphasis should be on creating chances for him. If you don't get chances you can't prove how good a striker you are."
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"I think obviously I've not been on top of my game as I wanted to and we're still adapting to a new system and some new positions. But I think I've been growing into it lately and starting to look a bit better.
"But I'm just happy to get on the scoresheet and I'm sure they will come more now. I'm happy, but it's not all about goals.
"I'm obviously very happy to get my goal and it gives me a lot of confidence. I think we're starting to get a bit more of a connection between myself and the players, then starting to understand what my qualities are even more and playing to them as well.
"I'm developing and starting to understand their qualities as well, and that's what the manager wants. He wants us to play to our strengths and now we're starting to find each other even better.
"He also wants me to stretch the pitch. I think that's quite obvious, and to get me into the channels and keep keeping the centre-backs occupied. That's what I'm trying to do. I think I've got a good amount of speed and that's what I'm here for."
When asked how it felt to end his goal drought, Hojlund added: "I don't think it was like the first time, when I scored against Aston Villa, but obviously I was very happy and still am. I see it as a good step on the way, but I just want to keep on improving and keep being better.
"I know I'm not the finished article, but I just want to keep going and keep becoming even better. I'm sure I'll get even better and score even more goals if I just focus on that."
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