Rasmus Højlund is not in the Manchester United starting lineup to face Nottingham Forest in their Premier League clash.
Manchester United return to Premier League action after almost two weeks following the completion of the final international break of the season.
Ruben Amorim’s side looked promising in their fixtures leading up to the pause, with solid results and performances against Arsenal, Real Sociedad and Leicester City.
It was against the Foxes where Rasmus Højlund netted his first goal in over 20 games, ending a drought which was clearly impacting his confidence on the pitch.
The Dane then scored against Portugal for Denmark during the international break, suggesting that he may be turning a corner in front of goal.
However, there was some surprise when Amorim decided to drop the 22-year-old to the bench for the visit to Forest on Tuesday evening.
Amorim explains why Højlund is dropped for United vs Forest
Amorim has stuck by Højlund for the majority of his time at Old Trafford despite the no.9’s poor form in front of goal.
Before this game, the ex-Atalanta forward had started 20 of the 28 games the Portuguese boss had taken charge of.
When speaking to the media ahead of the clash with Forest, the United boss explained that he wants to ensure that he has players to make an impact from the bench and be able to change the dynamics if needed.
“It’s really important,” he explained on MUTV. “Because every team improves that when we have competition inside the group.
“It’s really important even to change the game in the middle of the game. It’s really important in this league to change characteristics of the players to do something different during the game.”
Joshua Zirkzee is in much better form than Højlund and with little further depth, it seems like Amorim wants the forward to prove himself coming into the game as a substitute.
United have hungry youngsters on bench vs Forest
Højlund has often looked good when trying to make an impact off the bench, especially towards the end of last season. Being able to battle against tired defenders when you’re fresh off the bench can be much easier.
The Dane will certainly be hoping to make a positive impact when he comes on in the second half and there are more hungry young players amongst the substitutes.
Read More: Manchester United confirm Ruben Amorim XI vs Nottingham Forest as Joshua Zirkzee returns
Harry Amass has been named on the bench once again after making his first-team debut against The Foxes before the break.
Meanwhile, exciting midfield talent Sekou Kone has been named in his third matchday squad for Amorim’s side after impressing on the weekend for the Under-21s.
The 19-year-old scored and won a penalty in a 2-2 draw against Leeds’ youth side and will be hoping he can make his professional debut in Nottingham.
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