Manchester United’s Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund has found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, as his goalscoring woes continue to frustrate the club’s coaching staff and fans alike.
Behind the Scenes: United’s Frustration with Hojlund Intensifies
As Rasmus Hojlund’s barren run in front of goal stretches on, tensions are mounting behind the scenes at Manchester United. One coaching staff member was particularly critical of Hojlund’s display in the recent 1-0 defeat at Tottenham, where the Danish forward failed to make an impact. Against Everton, with United trailing 2-0, Hojlund was substituted in the 70th minute for 17-year-old Chido Obi, prompting a loud cheer from the away fans – potentially in response to Hojlund’s removal rather than Obi’s introduction. Remarkably, United scored twice within ten minutes of Hojlund’s substitution, further highlighting the growing frustration with the misfiring striker.
Hojlund’s Struggles: A Costly Gamble for United?
Hojlund’s struggles are in stark contrast to the high expectations that accompanied his £64 million move from Atalanta in July 2023, a fee that could rise to £72 million. United initially insisted they would not pay more than £60 million for the Denmark international, but Hojlund’s switch to the SEG International agency that represents former manager Erik ten Hag may have played a role in the increased fee. While Hojlund had a respectable first campaign, scoring 16 goals in 2023-24, his underwhelming performances and United’s current goal difference of -7 make a move for a more prolific striker in the summer seem inevitable.
The Rise and Fall of United’s Number 9
Hojlund’s struggles are particularly concerning given that he was assigned the coveted number nine shirt at the start of the season, taking over from the recently departed Anthony Martial. However, the 22-year-old has failed to live up to the expectations that come with wearing that iconic jersey. With just seven goals to his name this season, only two of which have come in the Premier League, Hojlund has failed to register in 27 of the 33 United matches he has appeared in. This stark contrast to his promising debut campaign has left many questioning whether United made the right decision in investing so heavily in the young Dane.
Hojlund’s Woes: A Summer Shake-Up Looming?
As the season draws to a close, it is becoming increasingly clear that Hojlund’s struggles may have far-reaching consequences for Manchester United’s summer transfer plans. Head coach Ruben Amorim has not hidden his frustration with Hojlund and other players on the touchline, decisively substituting the striker after he lost an aerial duel in the 3-1 win against Southampton last month. Since Amorim took charge in November, Hojlund has completed 90 minutes only five times and has been substituted on ten occasions, a clear indication of the manager’s lack of faith in the misfiring forward.
A Defining Moment for Hojlund and United
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Manchester United’s decision regarding Rasmus Hojlund’s future. While the club’s coaching staff have maintained a supportive stance during training sessions, the growing frustration among fans and pundits cannot be ignored. Former United player Rio Ferdinand has been particularly critical, stating that Hojlund ‘always [tries] to fight [defenders] and make contact’ instead of focusing on his goalscoring. With the pressure mounting and United’s need for a prolific striker becoming increasingly apparent, the coming months could prove to be a defining moment for both Hojlund and the club.
