Manchester United and Denmark know by now that Rasmus Hojlund is a streaky goalscorer, and when he’s on a run of hitting the net, it’s great.
When Rasmus Hojlund is one of his barren runs, it’s not so great. Denmark are going through that right now.
He is five games without a goal, with his Denmark record sitting at seven in 14, having previously been an eye-catching seven in nine.
Denmark could do with a goal from the striker in their next game, their Euro 2024 showdown against group favourites England.
Denmark teammate Kasper Hjulmand backs Rasmus Hojlund
The Danish media had plenty to say about Rasmus Hojlund, praising him for ‘working like an ox’ against Slovenia, but also warned that he did not look dangerous in their group opener, attempting only one shot at goal.
Manager Kasper Hjulmand spoke at a press conference about the Manchester United striker and gave Hojlund his backing.
He is quoted via Tipsbladet: “He has a lot of energy and wants to be involved, and that is one of his greatest strengths. But he makes a huge effort for the team. It is a completely different scenario if he had put it [his chance] past Oblak.
“He plays a good match and invests what he has to. We want to get Rasmus going and have him score goals, but that will come if he keeps working the way he is doing.”
Hjulmand has a warning for Hojlund
Denmark boss Hjulmand does have one other tangible piece of advice for Hojlund. He does not want him to start tracking back into midfield to get more involved.
He has warned him against doing so, after seeing the striker dropping deeper against Slovenia.
He explained: “He uses a lot of energy. Maybe once in a while he doesn’t need to drop down and be part of the game. We have many who do.
“He wants to be involved. That’s why he often drops down, where maybe sometimes he just has to stay away and keep calm when we have the ball.”
Hojlund scored 16 goals for Manchester United last season, but went through spells where everything went his way, and times where it seemed like nothing would work for him.
In Thursday’s game he will go up against Premier League defenders who he knows, who also know him. He has to use that to his advantage, while listening to his manager’s advice.