It’s been a tough campaign for Manchester United fans, with little to celebrate under Erik ten Hag.
Unless they win the upcoming FA Cup Final against bitter rivals Manchester City, it’s definitely been a season to forget at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have had problems off the pitch as well as on.
There have definitely been a few saving graces, such as young emerging academy talent – but overall there have not been many standout performers in Manchester United’s first team squad.
Pundit Danny Murphy does not hold back on one of these players, suggesting he may not be what’s needed around Carrington at the moment.
Danny Murphy on Rasmus Hojlund
£64m forward Rasmus Hojlund has not been firing as of late. The Danish striker has hit another rough patch, where he simply cannot find the net.
This may not exactly be his fault. United as a whole are struggling for goals, which has reflected in some seriously drab performances in the Premier League.
Murphy analysed Hojlund in a recent piece with the Daily Mail, and isn’t exactly convinced by the man from Atalanta.
He says: “I’m dubious about whether Rasmus Hojlund is the world-class No 9 United need.
“There is nothing in his game that scares defenders. I contrast him to Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, who is erratic but will do a mad bit of skill or make an aggressive dash to cause some problems for defenders.
“Hojlund is not quick, skilful or clever enough for that ‘Wow’ factor. He’s 21 and has time to develop. But right now, he is not a Champions League or Premier League-winning No 9.”
Is Danny Murphy right about Rasmus Hojlund?
We can’t say we entirely disagree. Right now, as many predicted, Hojlund is not the finished article.
What should have happened this season is United should have had a competent striker in order to rotate with the 21-year-old, but instead they’ve had an injury ridden Anthony Martial, which has meant the Dane has been forced to start most games.
It simply is not his fault, and lack of recruitment has cost them. More importantly, it has piled criticism on a player who has been asked to do a monumental job at Manchester United, when he probably shouldn’t have had to.
