Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles persisted on the international stage, despite Denmark’s 2-1 comeback win over Northern Ireland on Saturday.
The two nations met for a friendly in Copenhagen, and it was the visitors who took the lead just five minutes in when former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg turned the ball into the back of his own net.
Northern Ireland were resolute defensively and had an answer for most of what Denmark threw at them, until first-half added time, when Gustav Isaksen restored parity.
United midfielder Christian Eriksen scored the all-important goal in the 67th minute with a strike from close range, after Northern Ireland failed to clear their lines.
Hojlund started the game and endured another tough outing. He was on the pitch for 66 minutes before he was withdrawn and replaced by Mika Biereth.
The United number nine failed to fire even one shot, whether on target or off target. He embarked on just one dribble, which he failed to complete.
The 22-year-old attempted just nine passes. He found his teammates with just five of these (56% pass accuracy).
Hojlund was outmatched defensively, losing all three ground duels that he delved into. He rose to contest two challenges in the air and came out second best both times.
The forward lost the ball seven times and committed two fouls. He didn’t make even one tackle or interception.
Meanwhile, Eriksen won 100% of his ground duels and successfully connected with both long balls that he pinged to his teammates.
The departing United midfielder successfully made 33 of his 42 passes, two of these being key passes. He drew three fouls and put in one tackle.
(Stats obtained from Sofascore)
For United and their supporters, the main concern is that Hojlund’s struggles have carried over to the international stage. He had an extremely difficult 2024/25 season and there have been suggestions that the Red Devils are looking to part ways with him this summer. His latest performance will only reinforce that stance.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
