Paul Parker: Rasmus Højlund Can Be United’s Viktor Gyokeres

Following on from Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at The Emirates yesterday evening, we had the pleasure of catching up with former United defender Paul Parker. He shared his thoughts on the current United striker situation with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee fighting for the number nine position. He also delved into his thoughts on the form of Amad Diallo who has been in a rich reign of form and there are hopes the Ivorian will sign a new deal with the club.

In this article:

• Rasmus Højlund Can Be United’s Viktor Gyokeres
• Amad Diallo Is One Of The First Names On The Teamsheet
• It’s in Amad’s Best Interest To Sign A New Deal

Rasmus Højlund Can Be United’s Viktor Gyokeres

The number nine role has been a long-standing issue for Manchester United. Recent signings, Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, highlight the club’s focus on young, promising strikers. Højlund, who scored twice against Bodø Glimt in the Europa League, started against Arsenal but struggled to make an impact. Zirkzee, who scored against Everton last weekend, offers a different approach, often dropping deeper rather than occupying defenders.

Parker believes Højlund is better suited for Amorim’s system.
“Hojlund fits much better to this system than Zirkzee does, in my opinion. Amorim needs a work horse up front, which Hojlund is.”

“None of them are top class, but Hojlund has the potential to become one, and he is very similar to Gyokeres, so I think this is Hojlund´s chance now.”

Speculation persists that Viktor Gyökeres, who thrived under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, could join United. However, Parker sees Højlund as the likely long-term solution.                                               

“I think Amorim will rotate a lot because his way of playing is demanding a lot from the players, but in the important moments and games, I expect Hojlund to be the man.”

Amad Diallo Is One of the First Names on the Teamsheet

Amad Diallo has flourished under Ruben Amorim, excelling in an unexpected role as a right wing-back. His recent performances have impressed Parker, who attributes this success to the player’s adaptability.
“I am not surprised at all by how well Amad Diallo has done. You can put that kid anywhere and he will perform. It´s lovely for him, because he has worked so hard during his loan spells and now it´s finally paying off.”

“For me, he is one of the first names on the team sheet. He is a key player, and I think he has the potential to become one of the best players in the league. Of course, he is not there yet, and he will still struggle from time to time, but this role suits him perfectly.”

Amad’s contributions have been pivotal, with two goals against PAOK and assists in the victories over Leicester and Ipswich. Most recently, he set up two goals in the 4-0 win over Everton. Parker explained why the wing-back position suits Amad so well:
“The thing is, for players like him, with that pace, it can actually benefit them to play that position, because as a winger you will very often receive the ball at your feet, but as a wingback you will have the space you can run into without the ball.”

It’s in Amad’s Best Interest to Sign a New Deal

Amad’s contract, set to expire this summer, has raised concerns among fans, but Parker believes staying at United is the best move for the young star:

“His contract will not be an issue. If he has a good agent, he will get that sorted very quickly. Why would he want to move away? He is a young player, he is a start for one of the biggest clubs in the world and he can´t get that anywhere else.”

“For Amad, it’s not about the money now. He has a long career, and he has enough time to make a lot of money.”

“He just has to do what´s best for himself, which is to sign a new contract as soon as possible, but I can´t imagine it will be a problem at all.”