Van Nistelrooy Credited for Restoring Manchester United’s Team Identity

Joe Smith of the Stretford Paddock has stated that Ruud van Nistelrooy’s tenure has introduced stability at Manchester United, preparing the ground for Ruben Amorim to “almost come in to a clean slate.” Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Smith remarked, “The performances are not that much different but there is that five per cent difference as we are them seeing score goals when they weren’t under Erik ten Hag.” He further added, “Van Nistelrooy has done a great job at steadying the ship and making us look like a team again.” Smith noted the presence of “some decent players” within the squad, but expressed concern that “our forward line, other than Marcus Rashford, have never scored more than 20 goals in a season which is a bit of a worry.” Regarding Rasmus Hojlund, Smith observed that he “has got a lot going for him, he is quick, strong and a good finisher, yet he will have games where he is not involved at all.” He speculated, “Maybe that is because Alejandro Garnacho and Rashford are not giving him the right balls, but the top strikers do always find a way to get the ball in the back of the net.” Smith concluded by suggesting Hojlund “needs a bit of confidence because he is only young,” and expressed optimism that Amorim, having “worked really well with Viktor Gyokeres and they are very similar,” could potentially “start to get the best out of Hojlund.”