Danny Simpson was impressed by recent performances of an underperforming Manchester United player ahead of their Europa League quarter-final clash with Olympique Lyonnais.
Manchester United shift their focus back to Europa League action this Thursday evening, travelling to France to face Olympique Lyonnais in the quarter-finals.
Rúben Amorim’s side progressed with a convincing 5-2 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad, demonstrating their attacking power and defensive organisation to secure their place in the last eight.
Lyon, meanwhile, advanced comfortably with a dominant 7-1 aggregate win over FCSB, setting up a crucial clash with United. Amorim’s team remains the only unbeaten side in the competition, a record they will be determined to keep intact.
However, after a run of two goalless fixtures from United’s front line against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City in the Premier League, Amorim will be hoping his players can rediscover their clinical edge when they face Lyon this week.
Danny Simpson impressed with Højlund’s recent performances
With just three goal involvements across all competitions so far in 2025, Højlund’s performances have rightfully been criticised.
However, former United defender Danny Simpson has given Højlund some praise ahead of their Europa League quarter final, and suggests that the Danish international could start to show more impressive performances, especially if he can link up well with his teammates.
Speaking to MUTV, former Manchester United defender Danny Simpson explained how we could start to see the Højlund we all wanted to see when we first signed him, although some fans will question why the player is starting, given his inconsistent form of late.
“He looks a lot more comfortable with the pace and the style, and I am delighted Højlund is starting tonight,” Simpson explained. “I think with Bruno back now in the no.10, we have got to give Rasmus service.”
Bruno Fernandes is the key to unlocking Højlund
Like in seasons gone by, Fernandes is the linchpin of this Manchester United side, racking up 17 goal involvements in the Premier League this season.
In recent games, Fernandes has been deployed deeper than we’ve seen the Portuguese midfielder usually play, dictating the play from the engine room of the side.
With Fernandes playing further forward, more chances are a given, something Højlund hasn’t been getting much of in recent games and something he desperately needs.
The weight of the Manchester United shirt, especially the number 9, is one that we’ll never understand, and as a young player who was expected to lead the line at Old Trafford, it’s not gone the Dane’s way so far.
He is, though, somewhat of a purple patch player. He can go on long runs of games without scoring, before scoring a goal in six games in a row, something he achieved last season.
With Bruno Fernandes supplying the Dane with chances, it’s surely just a matter of time before one of the chances created for him gets converted.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.