Manchester United created more chances than their noisy neighbours but failed to capitalise as Sunday’s Manchester derby ended in a goalless stalemate at Old Trafford.
The hosts had 13 shots to City’s nine yet only two were on target, again highlighting the lack of cutting edge up top which has hampered progress under Ruben Amorim.
The decision-making in the final third from Alejandro Garnacho and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu was questionable with the Argentine forced to start every game now that both Marcus Rashford and Antony are no longer at the club while Amad remains sidelined.
But the biggest disappointment was once again Rasmus Hojlund, who started the game after coming on as a substitute in the previous Premier League tie against Nottingham Forest.
Another drab Hojlund display
And once again the 22-year-old looked miles off the pace, struggling to hold on to the ball under pressure and hardly offering any attacking threat in forward areas.
The ex-Atalanta ace had zero shots while he also attempted zero dribbles. He did not manage a single key pass nor did he attempt a single long ball or cross (all stats via sofascore).
Even his passing was woeful, managing to complete only seven out of nine passes while having only 15 touches of the ball in 71 minutes while his his replacement Joshua Zirkzee looked far more dangerous in the 19 minutes he was on the pitch.
The Denmark international won only one out of four duels while losing possession four times. As pointed out by former club legends, all Hojlund does is back into opposition defenders instead of trying to outsmart them or outpace them.
However, with INEOS failing to secure a forward in January, Amorim has had no choice but to keep playing the Danish star even though his confidence is shot to bits with Zirkzee more of a link-up player than a striker.
Not ready to lead the line
But his sophomore campaign is proof that Hojlund is not ready to lead the line on his own and the Red Devils should have found a more experienced striker from whom he could learn from.
Instead, Hojlund has had to play in almost every game which has done more harm than good. While he is young and has potential, Amorim does not have the luxury of time and needs improvement fast.
Because of this, the United No 9’s future remains up in the air with plenty of reports indicating Amorim wants him gone once the window opens.
INEOS must bring in an experienced and ruthless finisher in the mould of a Viktor Gyokeres or Victor Osimhen and not rely only on youth again.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
