Rasmus Hojlund’s promising start to 2024 has faltered since his return from injury, and it is quite obvious to conclude the young striker needs help.
Anthony Martial‘s very predictable injury has left Rasmus Hojlund as Manchester United’s only striker.
Hojlund, 21, has now played 40 matches for Manchester United this season in all competitions, from which 35 have been as a starter.
The Denmark international has scored 14 goals, the second highest in the Manchester United team behind only Bruno Fernandes, and he is the top scorer from open play.
Despite this, Hojlund’s recent record has been flat. Since returning from injury he has just one goal in his last 10 matches.
Rasmus Hojlund has a message for Manchester United fans
Rasmus Hojlund was unimpressive in Manchester United’s defeat to Arsenal, and was substituted late on with the Red Devils in search of a goal.
It is a tough moment for the striker, who has been thrown into the deep end atOld Trafford this season.
United’s recent run of form is not too dissimilar to his goal record. The team have just two wins from the last 10 matches in all competitions. Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff need to get him scoring.
The former Atalanta striker has a message for Manchester United supporters, in wake of the team’s poor form.
Hojlund shared on Instagram Stories: “Tough times at the moment. But we will grow from this.”
It is an important message, showing that Hojlund is keen not to let this recent run define him or his Manchester United teammates.
There have been enough positives this season for Hojlund to take away. He has scored more than he did at Atalanta, while gaining huge experience at the highest level, and it can only help in the long run.
Gary Neville on Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund’s form and future was discussed on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, with club legend Gary Neville having his say.
Neville began: “This is the hardest introduction for a young striker,” before lamenting that he did not have a senior striker like Harry Kane to play behind.
He believes Hojlund is making some smart movements, contradictory to claims on MUTV that he must improve his running, and believes he is just not being provided with the right support.
Neville said: “He’s making those little movements, but he’s not getting service, he’s not getting the ball where he wants it.”
The former right-back explained further: “The inconsistency of players around him is affecting him. This is a kid that needs persevering with.”
Neville questioned whether Hojlund will become a truly elite striker, suggesting he needs to first target emulating Ollie Watkins, who has 22 goals in all competitions.
Fair comment, one step at a time. Hojlund is also 21, while Watkins is 28. When the Villa striker was 21, he was signing for Brentford in the Championship.
Hojlund has high potential, but needs help, from a senior striker, and the improvement of players around him.
It’s important to be patient, and let’s see if his season can end with an important goal in the FA Cup Final.