Ruben Amorim knows what he has to do with Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund

The statistics make for grim reading. Manchester United have scored just once in their last four Premier League games, have failed to score in 13 of their league games this season and have just 22 goals against teams who aren’t destined for a return to the Championship.

But Europe has been a different story. United's four knockout ties against Real Sociedad and Lyon have seen them score 12 times, and they've scored at least twice in nine of their 12 Europa League ties. That is a run they must stretch against Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final.

This will be their toughest test yet, however. Athletic are the best team they have faced, sitting a comfortable fourth in La Liga. They have the added incentive of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of playing the final on home territory. Goals won't be as easy to come by against Ernesto Valverde's side.

That might place a premium on returns from the striker, which United have clearly struggled with this season. With Joshua Zirkzee injured and Chido Obi ineligible, Rasmus Hojlund must fire his side to glory next month.

The problem for United is that Hojlund's confidence once again looks shot. His goal against Leicester City and the end of a barren run suddenly feels a long time ago and a return of one goal in 28 games speaks volumes.

Hojlund was ineffective against Wolves last weekend and the 22-year-old looks frustrated and unhappy once again, struggling with his own game and annoyed at the lack of service he is getting. The problem is that nobody can alleviate the pressure on him and take him out of the firing line.

As Amorim pointed out last week, only a goal can really alter Hojlund's mood now, and he won't get that if he is sat on the bench.

There might be a temptation to rest