Rene Meulensteen: Ruben Amorim faces strikers' crisis at Man Utd

    Rene Meulensteen, a former Manchester United coach who spent 12 years at the club, including six under Sir Alex Ferguson, has urged Ruben Amorim to fix the Red Devils' misfiring forwards.

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    Meulensteen, used to world-class strikers like Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Carlos Tevez, believes Amorim must find answers for Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, who have struggled this season.

    The pair have managed just three Premier League goals each, and Meulensteen didn't hold back after United's recent loss to Nottingham Forest.

    Speaking to Poker Firma, he said: "Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee aren't working as a pair up front. Hojlund doesn't work by himself, nor does Zirkzee as a lone striker, he's more of a ‘nine and a half'. I'd like to see him drop deeper and link play, but against Forest, he was almost invisible! Ruben Amorim has to find a solution for both of them."

    Meulensteen pointed to a lack of service as a key issue for Hojlund. "He relies on balls from wide areas, which he isn't getting," he explained.

    "He's crying out for a pass in behind, that's what he thrives on. But United overplay it too often—by the time the cross comes, the defenders are back, and the chance is gone."

    Meanwhile, Meulensteen also weighed in on Antony, the winger currently on loan at Real Betis. The Brazilian, who left United in January, has found form in Spain with four goals and four assists. "Antony has no future at Manchester United," Meulensteen said.

    "If I were him, I'd stay at Betis without a doubt. He's never lived up to the expectations or the price tag at United, but he's settled in Spain. He's happier playing football and in life generally, that's what matters most."

    The ex-coach warned that a return to Old Trafford would see Antony slip back into old struggles. "He'd fall straight into the same rut," he added. "It's probably best for all parties if he joins Betis permanently."

    Reports suggest Betis are keen to secure a full-time deal in the summer, though Atletico Madrid and even Arsenal, who seem to have forgotten his underwhelming Premier League stint, are also in the race.

    Amorim, speaking post-match, admitted the attack needs work but remained defiant: "We're building something. It takes time." For now, though, the pressure is mounting at Old Trafford.