One moment in Manchester United’s 3-2 win against Ipswich Town epitomised the rut in which Rasmus Hojlund is currently stuck. The Red Devils’ No. 9 has only scored two Premier League goals all season and doesn’t look like he has the appetite to increase his tally. His confidence is at an all-time low at a time when Ruben Amorim needs him firing.
United viewed Hojlund as a long-term signing when they paid Atalanta £72million for his services in 2023, having pulled out of the running for Erik ten Hag‘s top target, Harry Kane.
The 22-year-old recorded a fruitful maiden season in English football, scoring 16 goals as the club’s top scorer. But his output has deteriorated this term.
Hojlund has plundered seven goals in 34 outings, though only two of those have come in the Premier League. Amorim’s three first-team forwards only have nine between them.
The Denmark international has failed to find the net in 17 consecutive appearances and has seldom looked like ending that miserable streak.
While he’s suffered from limited service throughout another disappointing United season, he could do more when the ball lands at his feet.
Hojlund’s first touch continues to be suspect and is that of a young player desperately short on self-belief and conviction.
But all things said and done, United’s striker isn’t shooting enough. He ranks joint-48th for shots in the Premier League this season, sitting below 148 other players.
Hojlund has fired just 16 efforts in 22 league outings. In comparison, Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo lead that metric with 95.
Cole Palmer and Mohamed Salah make up a top four that is significantly ahead of anyone else, with 94 each.
On the hour mark against Ipswich, as the 10 men of United searched for a fourth goal to seal a rare three points, Hojlund conjured up a moment of madness that illustrated his woes.
Leny Yoro dazzled the Old Trafford crowd with a smooth Cruyff turn in the left corner of the pitch before finding the No. 9 in space in the visitors’ box.
Yet, instead of taking a touch and letting rip on Alex Palmer’s goal, Hojlund bizarrely dummied the ball into the path of Ipwich’s grateful defence.
Frustration was audibly rife, which wouldn’t have helped the youngster in his battle to rediscover his scoring touch.
But he will retain the support of his coach and team-mates. Earlier this week, Amorim insisted his side had to do more to help Hojlund.
Ten Hag would’ve targeted Kane knowing that he may not have had the chance to remain in position before United’s long-term investment entered his prime, though.
Amorim will share the same stance ahead of a crucial summer transfer window. The Portuguese head coach is heavily expected to delve into the striker market. An established goalscorer should be on the agenda.
Hojlund was thrown into the deep end two years ago, and he’s started to sink. Amorim needs players who can deliver now. His team can’t be this toothless next season.
Amid United’s public need to raise funds, INEOS could welcome any interest in Hojlund at the end of the season to right the wrongs of the previous regime.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk