'Just 15 touches, lost 6 duels': Final display sums up £72m Man Utd flop

As favourites for the final game against the Lilywhites, United intended to financially use the qualification for the Champions League. However, Man United face insurmountable financial pressure now, hoping to sell their surplus players to buy the ones they need.

Ruben Amorim’s tactical style of play has proved too much for the senior players he inherited from Erik ten Hag. Meanwhile, both Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have failed to establish themselves as the first-choice number nine due to their inconsistencies.

According to Fotmob, United forward Hojlund (5.8 Fotmob’s match rating) enjoyed 50% shooting accuracy from only two shots against Tottenham during the Europa League final loss. The 22-year-old had only 15 touches in his 71-minute performance with two touches inside the opposition box during the game.

The Denmark international managed to create on chance, while completing only five out of six passes in an invisible performance. Spurs’ defence caught Hojlund offside once and dispossessed him two times during the game.

Furthermore, the 22-year-old lost six duels, winning only four duels and earning three fouls for his team. Defensively, Hojlund made one clearance and completed one defensive action, highlighting his weakness in influencing the overall game.

Hojlund cost United £72m in 2023 and is considered one of the many high-valued flop signings that hurt the club’s finances. While the 22-year-old’s future remains uncertain, it is clear that Amorim needs a number nine who can fulfil his demand going forward.