Manchester United pulled off a second-half comeback not many saw happening to leave Goodison Park with a point on Saturday.
Everton completely dominated proceedings till the 70th minute, winning almost every second ball and generally looking much hungrier and sharper than the visitors.
It took Bruno Fernandes‘ sublime free-kick to change the game completely with Manuel Ugarte producing a stunning volley to restore parity in the end.
Ruben Amorim will know deep down that it was a lucky point given the lacklustre performance by the defence and the anonymous display from Rasmus Hojlund up front.
Rasmus has been shockingly bad this term
The United No 9 does not look like a player capable of leading the line for a club of United’s size and he has now not scored in the last 16 games.
Forget scoring, the 22-year-old does not even seem to be able to do the basics properly, failing to hold on to the ball under pressure at every opportunity while his first touch seems to have completely deserted him.
Whenever United try to relieve the pressure by going long towards the Dane, Hojlund can be seen backing into the defenders and eventually failing to win the physical duel and falling to the ground.
The ex-Atalanta star refuses to drop deep to link up play, does not try to turn his marker but keeps backing into him at every possible opportunity, and the coaches have failed to rectify such an approach.
Club legend Rio Ferdinand slammed the striker for his inability to mix up his game and claimed that the only reason the Denmark international is receiving game time is because of the lack of options at Amorim’s disposal.
“Confidence has obviously left the building in terms of the striker department. They haven’t got great options in terms of numbers either,” the former centre-back told TNT Sports (via Goal).
Rio slams Rasmus for his one-dimensional approach
“One of the things with Hojlund, watching him I get frustrated because he’s always trying to fight the defender and have contact.
“Sometimes release yourself from contact so when you have someone against you it’s easier to take the ball and get into areas where you’ll affect the game, in between the posts and in the box.”
Joshua Zirkzee once again struggled against the Toffees as he is not a natural striker while Marcus Rashford has already departed out on loan.
Chido Obi is the only other option the coach can use and justifiably, the Portuguese has been reluctant to start him due to his age.
Hojlund’s United career seems to be fizzling out and a summer exit could be on the cards, especially if the Red Devils can land an upgrade.
Feature image Lewis Storey 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
