Tag: Rasmus Hojlund

New striker, Dutch star and surprise left-back could make new-look Man United XI

Manchester United are set to back Erik ten Hag in the transfer market this summer after announcing they have handed him a new contract.

After hugely disappointing season that saw United finish eighth – their lowest-ever in the Premier League era – the club are desperate to fix their many problems now the window is open.

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Ten Hag is desperate to bolster his side this summerCredit: Getty

Defender Raphael Varane and forward Anthony Martial have left on free transfers while midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has returned to Fiorentina after his loan spell expired.

It has left Ten Hag with several positions to plug, including in attack, midfield and defence while one looks close to being wrapped up soon.

talkSPORT understands the Red Devils are closing in on the signing of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna after a fine season where he helped them finish fifth in Serie A and reach the Champions League with 11 league goals.

Scoring goals has been a serious problem at Old Trafford and last season they managed just 57 in the Premier League – no club in the top ten scored fewer.

Zirkzee could join and will battle for a place in the starting XI with Rasmus Hojlund, who has showed glimpses of his promise but is still some way off the complete package.

After the Red Devils splashed out £72million on the Denmark international, the 21-year-old managed 16 goals in all competitions – with ten in the Premier League.

Having another striker might not be bad news for Hojlund who played more in his debut campaign than Ten Hag had probably planned, as more competition will help the former Atalanta star reach his pinnacle.

At the back, United are making progress on a deal that would see Matthijs de Ligt arrive from Bayern Munich.

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United are closing in on the signing of ZirkzeeCredit: Getty

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De Ligt would be a high-profile arrival at UnitedCredit: Getty

The 24-year-old looks set to bolster Ten Hag’s defence, which was stricken by injuries last season.

At one point, the Dutch coach was left without a senior centre-back with Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans all injured, as well as rookie Willy Kwambala.

Bayern Munich fans are not happy to see De Ligt leave, though, with thousands signing a petition demanding the move doesn’t go ahead.

The Netherlands international has a huge reputation, having already starred for Ajax and Juventus as well as Bayern.

De Ligt might not be the only change to the backline with Chelsea star Ben Chilwell a potential option to add depth at left-back.

Again, injuries have left Ten Hag puzzled over his full-back options with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia out for the majority of the season.

Diogo Dalot has largely deputised at left-back despite being a right-back by trade and a more permanent solution is being sought.

Chilwell could find himself on the peripheries at Chelsea next season under Enzo Maresca with the club already appearing to sign someone in his position with a plan underway to bring in Renato Veiga from FC Basel.

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Could Chilwell be on his way to United?

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Ugarte has caught Man United’s attention tooCredit: Getty

With defence and attack set to be bolstered, another position that United must think about is central midfield where Casemiro could depart.

Saudi Arabian clubs are taking an interest in the Brazil international and the Red Devils have been strongly linked with Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte.

The midfielder only joined PSG last summer but could leave already and Ten Hag is desperate for more bite to his midfield – and he certainly knows how to do that as Rodrigo De Paul will tell you.

With the arrival of all four players, United could have a very different line-up next season in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Andre Onana is undoubtedly Ten Hag’s No.1 and only missed one match last season due to his international call-up to the African Cup of Nations for Cameroon.

Dalot would be able to return to his preferred position on the right if Chilwell arrived while De Ligt could partner Martinez at the back.

In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo could continue his rise to stardom at Old Trafford and play alongside Ugarte, who would allow the young England international to operate further forward.

Bruno Fernandes, as captain, remains arguably United’s most key player and would play at No.10 with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on the flanks.

And impending new arrival Zirkzee could spearhead the side, taking the flak off Hojlund, who would rotate with the Dutchman up front.

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July 8, 2024
Footage shows Hojlund’s reaction as Man United fans booed substitution

Rasmus Hojlund couldn’t hide his surprise at seeing Kobbie Mainoo being substituted against Burnley.

The young midfielder was replaced by Erik ten Hag in the 65th minute of the clash at Old Trafford with the scores tied at 0-0 at the time.

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Hojlund looked surprised after the decision to replace Kobbie MainooCredit: Getty

That decision was met with boos from the Manchester United fans, who weren’t impressed at the decision to replace the wonderkid.

Alongside Mainoo, Hojlund was also subbed off with the pair being replaced by Amad Diallo and Scott McTominay.

In footage captured from a fan in the stand, the Danish striker was seen walking around the pitch to the dugout when Mainoo’s number was held up.

Responding to the decision, Hojlund could be seen tilting his head with a bemused look on his face.

Ten Hag was questioned about the decision post-match and stuck to his guns, saying: “I am the manager and have to decide what the team needs.

“It was the right decision and totally logical to bring off very young players who are in their first year of the Premier League and feel some fatigue.

“They [Mainoo and Hojlund] have both had injuries this season and I want to protect them.”

Man United went on to take the lead through Antony before Zeki Amdouni’s late penalty denied the Red Devils all three points.

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Man United have taken a few steps back this term after a good first season under Erik ten HagCredit: Getty

That result, plus Aston Villa’s draw to Chelsea later on Saturday means Man United will not finish in the top four.

With fifth place unlikely to be awarded to the Premier League for a bonus place in the Champions League, the 20-time English champions will have to settle for either Europa League, or even Conference League football.

Mark Goldbridge hits back at ‘weird’ criticism over his recent Rasmus Hojlund interview

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April 29, 2024
Erik Ten Hag urged by Rasmus Hojlund to start playing unhappy Man United star

Rasmus Hojlund has told Erik ten Hag that Christian Eriksen is deserving of more game time – labelling him as a ‘class player’.

The Danish midfielder made headlines this week after revealing his frustration at his lack of minutes at Manchester United this season.

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Eriksen has endured a frustrating time at Man United this term

Eriksen hasn’t started a game since January and has been an unused substitute in six out of the last seven games.

Though he did come off the bench in the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool, where he helped his side edge out a seven-goal thriller.

And Hojlund, who plays alongside the 32-year-old for both club and country, was full of praise for his teammate and believes that he should be given a chance to show his undoubted qualities.

He told TV2: “I myself have sat on the bench for Copenhagen, so I know what that means.

“But he holds his head high and he is a class player. There is absolutely no doubt about that.

“There is no concern at all from me about it. Of course, you want to play football And I’m sure he does too.

“[But] he trains well and is still very positive and very helpful, so it’s not a big deal. He is a real professional.

“It was good he got some minutes against Liverpool. I think he did really well when he came on.

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Hojlund has urged Ten Hag that Eriksen is deserving of more minutesCredit: Getty

“He is a good player, so you would like to see him on the field, but we have many good players.

“So it must be the coach’s decision whether he plays or not.”

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Expressing his frustration with Ten Hag, Eriksen had stated: “I have previously stated that I am not satisfied with not playing, but it’s not something that keeps me up at night.

“The team is performing, and I must respect the role you have alongside.

“For my part, it has been about working hard and focusing on being fresh for every game, and I am. It is easier now to accept my role than it would have been before.

“I have had a conversation with Erik (ten Hag) about being unhappy with the situation and wanting to play as much as possible, but I am available and need to be available for the team, which I am and always will be.”

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March 22, 2024
Mark Goldbridge hits back at ‘weird’ criticism of Rasmus Hojlund interview

Mark Goldbridge has responded to reports that his Rasmus Hojlund interview didn’t go well with some Manchester United players.

The talkSPORT host and YouTuber conducted a one-on-one with the Red Devils striker, which was seen as a huge coup for his independent YouTube channel The United Stand.

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Goldbridge sat down with Hojlund to discuss his fast start at United

However, during the weekend it was reported in the United We Stand fanzine that ‘a couple of players’ were disgruntled by Hojlund’s decision to talk to a YouTube channel that ‘was built on negativity and slaughtering United players’.

Responding to the story, Goldbridge told talkSPORT Breakfast: “If players don’t play well, that’s what we do, that’s what I grew up with and it’s no different now.

“It’s a load of nonsense actually, that interview took a long time to arrange, it was at Carrington [the club’s training ground], all the players, the club, the manager, everyone was fully aware of it.

“When you’ve got media commitments it’s not a secret that a journalist comes in and does an interview with a player.

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“It’s just another weird leak, another weird story out of Manchester United, it’s almost as if we kidnapped Hojlund and did an interview behind their backs.”

He continued: “It took a long time to do it, because we’re not talkSPORT, it’s fan-led media.

“We had to persuade them and show them our big audience, they said OK and the player was alright with it, the club was alright with it and everything was fine.

“It was done weeks ago and then you hear this weekend that a couple of players were unhappy with it, that could be anything.

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Hojlund has quickly become a superstar in redCredit: AFP

“It was well received so maybe those players are a bit jealous, I don’t know, and it might not even be true.”

Thankfully for Hojlund, he’s unlikely to lose any fans given his extraordinary form at United.

Rasmus Hojlund tells Mark Goldbridge that Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney were his Manchester United childhood idols

The £72million summer signing has seven goals and an assist in his last six Premier League games, and is certainly starting to live up to expectations.

Currently out of action with an injury picked up against Luton on February 18, the striker has a chance of returning against Liverpool in the FA Cup on March 17.

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March 12, 2024
Ten Hag provides Rashford update as he details when forgotten star may return

Erik ten Hag has confirmed that both Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans are available for Manchester United this weekend.

The Red Devils face Everton on Saturday lunchtime in the hope of bouncing back from their 3-1 derby day defeat to Manchester City.

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Rashford will return to action for Man United this weekendCredit: Getty

Back-to-back losses against the Citizens and Fulham have seen United‘s top four hopes take a huge blow.

Sitting in sixth spot, they sit six points behind Tottenham in fifth, while United trail fourth-placed Aston Villa by a whopping 11 points.

And with Spurs and Villa to face off on Sunday, Ten Hag knows his side must capitalise with one of their rivals to drop points in the race to secure Champions League football.

In a boost for United, Rashford and Evans, who both withdrew from the clash at the Etihad due to injury, will be available for selection this weekend.

Speaking of the pair in his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag said: “That’s the good news. They recovered after the derby, so they are available.

“The rest is the same squad apart from Omari Forson. He dropped out, he has an injury.”

There was also news on Mason Mount‘s prospective return to action.

The midfielder, who joined last summer in a deal rising to £60million, has not played since November 11 after picking up a calf injury.

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Mount will be hoping to kickstart his Man United career when he returnsCredit: Getty

But despite that lengthy absence, Ten Hag suggested that Mount could soon be back on the pitch.

He remarked: “Mason Mount, I think he is in a good spell now and he will return shortly. I think after the international break.”

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In a further boost ahead of next week’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Liverpool, the Dutchman hinted three first team stars could be involved.

The ex-Ajax manager stated: “For next week, some players are planning to return, hopefully when the process will continue like it is now.

“Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, I expect them to be available for our game against Liverpool. [Rasmus] Hojlund as well.”

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March 8, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo part of Man United trio Rasmus Hojlund idolised as a child

Cristiano Ronaldo is unsurprisingly among three Manchester United stars that Rasmus Hojlund has revealed he grew up idolising.

Aged 21 and a huge United fan, the striker grew up watching the club dominate English football by winning a catalogue of major honours.

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Ronaldo had a huge impact at United from 2003 to 2009Credit: Getty

Success was delivered by some of the biggest and best players in the business and United’s past talent will have been a huge source of inspiration for today’s prospects.

Hojlund is certainly no exception, with the youngster citing five-time Ballon d’Or winner and global superstar Ronaldo as his idol.

When asked on The United Stand to name his most influential players Hojlund responded: “It has to be Cristiano.

“[Wayne] Rooney as well I’m thinking about, [Carlos] Tevez as well, but Cristiano was probably the guy.

“I remember supporting him and following him the next year as well, and following him back again and watching him in the period when he was at Juventus and Real Madrid as well.

“He has always been my idol and I’ve followed the clubs where he’s been and supporting United, they were my first team really.”

Ronaldo joined United at the age of 18 and became one of the best players in world football during a glittering first spell at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese legend, who is adored by millions, won three Premier League titles and the Champions League at the club.

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Hojlund also revealed his admiration for two more former United attackersCredit: Getty

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Fans will be hoping the Dane can experience similar success at Old TraffordCredit: Getty

Playing alongside him in the formidable attack was Rooney, United’s all-time top scorer who netted 253 goals for them during a 13-year spell.

He was also named in the Premier League Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a legend in English football folklore.

Mark Goldbridge ranks all 16 of Erik ten Hag’s signings at Manchester United including Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana

Tevez spent just two years at United on loan from West Ham but his time at Old Trafford was certainly not shy of success.

The Argentinian won five major honours and scored 34 goals for the club, although controversially signed for rivals Manchester City after he left.

Hojlund can certainly take inspiration from all three names as he continues to find his feet at United following a difficult start after his £72million move from Atalanta.

He has scored four goals in his last four appearances for the club and has a tally of ten in total for the season so far.

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February 6, 2024
‘Could define an era’ – Casemiro tips Hojlund for greatness at United

Casemiro believes Rasmus Hojlund could be destined for greatness at Manchester United despite a lack of goals in his debut season.

The 20-year-old completed a £72million move to Old Trafford from Atalanta in the summer but has struggled in front of goal.

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Hojlund has found life tough in front of goal at UnitedCredit: AFP

Hojlund has netted five times in the Champions League but has only scored one goal in the Premier League.

He did so at the 15th time of asking when he fired in United’s late winner in a 3-2 victory at home against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

Even though his efforts up front have had limited success, Hojlund’s age suggests there is a lot more room for improvement.

And Casemiro feels there is still a lot more to come from the Dane and has tipped him for success at United.

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Speaking to the club website, Casemiro said: “At the end of the day, he’s just a kid, so we shouldn’t be putting a lot of pressure on him.

“A lot of people think that he should be coming in and scoring 30-odd goals right away. He’s still young and this is his first season in the Premier League.”

Casemiro was referred to a moment during United’s defeat at Arsenal after Hojlund came off the bench and was a nuisance for defenders.

The former grabbed the latter’s shirt and appeared to celebrate his efforts, and has now explained why he was so pleased with him.

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Despite his struggles, Hojlund has been tipped for greatness at UnitedCredit: Getty

“Regarding the footage you mentioned, I was really happy with his attitude. The thing is, it’s really difficult when you come on in such a demanding game, as games against Arsenal are.

“When he entered the fray he contributed a lot, changing our dynamic, so I tried to express to him just how I was feeling. He’s definitely playing better in every game and he’s working really hard. Rasmus is a dedicated lad and he’s keen to kick on.

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“He’ll be a great player for this club and, with the ambitions he has, he could define an era at Manchester United.”

United return to action on Monday night for their FA Cup third round clash at Wigan Athletic, live on talkSPORT.

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January 7, 2024
Hojlund the ‘happiest man alive’ as Ten Hag sends message to Man United forwards

After 26 minutes of play at Old Trafford, Manchester United looked as though they would fall to another defeat as Aston Villa led 2-0.

However, Erik ten Hag’s side swept aside the script of past weeks and mounted an impressive comeback to seal all three points in a 3-2 win.

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It’s fair to say that Hojlund was highly emotional after completing the comebackCredit: AFP

John McGinn’s free-kick and Leander Dendoncker’s close-range finish gave Unai Emery’s high-flying side cause for optimism and inspiration for fans to taunt Ten Hag.

Their jeers were soon diminished in the second half though as Alejandro Garnacho scored two goals in 12 minutes to bring United back level.

Home crowds at Old Trafford have expressed anger and dismay this season but the atmosphere was really ramped up at 2-2.

Things got even better late on though as Rasmus Hojlund finally scored his first ever Premier League goal to secure a huge victory.

Hojlund arrived in the summer in a £72million deal and seemed to find it incredibly tough in front of goal in the English top flight.

But his drought worries are finally over and like many fans, the relief was clear to see at full-time.

“It has been a while [waiting for a first league goal] but yes I am very happy,” he told Amazon Prime Video.

“I am the happiest man alive right now. You can see from the celebrations as well. Like [Garnacho] said we believed in ourselves until the very end and got the win today.”

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United verged on defeat again, but Hojlund and co. thought otherwiseCredit: AFP

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Ten Hag was met with jeers from Villa fans before seeing his side win all three pointsCredit: Getty

He added: “As the manager has said before I have scored a few goals in the Champions League but of course it has been a while in the Premier League before scoring. Now I have got it and I hope I can just build on that and keep going.

“Yes I remember the goal. First-time finish in off the post, good finish so I am happy. I am happy for the three of us attackers as well because we showed a lot of character today, and a lot of confidence.”

Ten Hag was also on hand to back his man as he told the BBC: “He knows he can do it. On the highest level in the Champions League he scored five and displayed his ability. He knows he can do it at any level.

“The Premier League is close to the Champions League. So it will come and give him confidence. When strikers have confidence, they will score.”

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United’s attackers really stepped up to the plate on a crucial nightCredit: Getty

Prior to the win over Villa, just four goals had been scored from United’s attackers this season, with the side also goalless in four previous matches.

Garnacho’s strikes added to the tally and Hojlund also got in on the act, something that Ten Hag is very proud to see as he told Amazon Prime Video: “I’m so happy that the strikers scored.

“That’s what we needed. I know they are capable of it. They are good finishers. And [Marcus] Rashford, and Garnacho, and Hojlund, they’re all good finishers and we have more and they have to show it every game.”

The United boss also offered them more guidance going forward as United eye this result as a potential turning point in what has been a hugely underwhelming season so far.

“Be accountable, be really believing, the willingness to score goals and you score goals.”

United have risen to sixth in the Premier League table for now and are five points off the top four as they hit the halfway-point of the season.

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December 26, 2023
Viral star backing Hojlund reacts to him scoring first Premier League goal

Rasmus Hojlund was overcome with emotion after finally opening his account in the Premier League to leave his biggest fan delighted.

The Manchester United striker was on target in what was his 15th top-flight outing – ending a run of over 1,000 minutes without finding the back of the net.

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Hojlund finally opened his account for United in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty

His 82nd-minute volley capped a remarkable second half display from the hosts as they came back from 2-0 against Aston Villa to win 3-2.

And it was Hojlund that grabbed the winner as he scored his first league goal since his £72million arrival from Atalanta in the summer.

While rival fans of United have mocked the 20-year-old’s goal return, one singer from Australia has went viral for his backing of the Denmark international.

Sean Millis – a contestant on the 2023 version of The Voice Australia – has taken social media by storm with his song ‘Waiting on a Miracle’, which he has used to support Hojlund.

Wearing a United shirt with the player’s name and number on the back, Millis, who has Hunter syndrome – a rare genetic disorder in which large sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans (or GAGs or mucopolysaccharides) build up in body tissues – has been sending Hojlund motivational videos.

And following his strike, he took to his Instagram story where he failed to contain his happiness.

Sharing a picture of Hojlund’s celebration, Millis said: “Let’s go Rasmus Hojlund. What a miracle goal.”

Hojlund was in stunning form for United during their ill-fated Champions League group stage campaign, where he scored five goals in his opening four matches.

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Hojlund was overcome with emotion after he found the back of the net against VillaCredit: AFP

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Millis was full of joy for Hojlund after his winner at Old TraffordCredit: Instagram: @sean.millis

But his relief was there for all to see after he steered his effort in off the post, with United supporters now hoping it is the first of many.

Speaking to Amazon Prime alongside fellow goalscorer Alejandro Garnacho after the five-goal thriller, the former Sturm Graz star was asked whether he is the happiest man in Manchester.

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Hojlund may have struggled in front of goal this season, but he is a popular figure amongst United fans

To which he said: “It has been a while [waiting for a first league goal] but yes I am very happy. I am the happiest man alive right now.

“You can see from the celebrations as well. Like [Garnacho] said we believed in ourselves until the very end and we showed a lot of character again today.”

He added: “As the manager [Erik ten Hag] has said before I have scored a couple [five] in the Champions League, but of course it has been a while in the Premier League.

“So I’m happy to get the first one and now hopefully I can just build on that and keep going.”

The result has lifted United from eighth to sixth in the table, with Ten Hag‘s side now just three points behind rivals Manchester City in fifth spot.

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December 26, 2023
Shock Hojlund stats expose major issue but blame ‘selfish’ wingers for no show

Rasmus Hojlund has nowhere to hide from some brutally awful Manchester United statistics.

Zero goals. Zero assists. And it does not end there.

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Hojlund is yet to open his United accountCredit: Getty

The £72million striker has attempted just 16 shots on goal in 12 Premier League games since arriving at Old Trafford.

As the Red Devils were dumped out of Europe with a limp 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, Hojlund did not manage a single touch in the opposition box.

The 20-year-old Dane arrived from Atalanta with bags of potential but only 18 professional goals to his name – and many are beginning to question the hype.

At the other end of the pitch, a 30-year-old Harry Kane has been worth every penny of the £82m paid by Bayern Munich last summer.

The England captain has 22 goals and eight assists in 19 matches, dropping deep and getting heavily involved in everything good for the Bundesliga giants.

As Kane created Kingsley Coman’s winner on Tuesday night, it was impossible not to question where United would be with the former Tottenham superstar instead of Hojlund.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant Rene Meulensteen said: “The Glazers have backed the managers with money, but have they actually backed them with the players that the managers want?

“There is a case for each of the previous managers. Everyone knows if United got Harry Kane, you bring 25 to 30 goals into your team. Simple.

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Hojlund’s Premier League stats make for grim reading

“They went for Hojlund. I thought he was way short against those Bayern defenders. He never really got a kick.”

But according to Meulensteen, Hojlund is not all to blame.

Erik ten Hag‘s first-choice attack lacks potency across the board and no forward can take any pride from their statistics this season.

Marcus Rashford has two goals and three assists, Alejandro Garnacho has two goals and one assist, while Antony has not made a single goal contribution this term.

Midfielders Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes are the only players with more than two goals for United in the 2023/24 campaign.

Muelensteen believes Hojlund has been starved of service due to selfish and greedy wingers either side of him.

The coach added: “The problem is… he is flanked by two individual players who have no intention to give him any kind of service because they want to create things for themselves.”

According to stats collected by the Premier League this season, Hojlund has only been presented with eight clear chances.

United fans may be right to reserve judgement on the striker until his teammates use him properly.

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December 13, 2023