Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles in front of goal is giving Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim sleepless nights with the Dane not registering for 18 games now.
The United No 9 had finished as the club’s top scorer last season, but he looks a pale shadow of that player currently with the 22-year-old struggling to complete even basic tasks on the pitch.
His first touch has deserted him while in every game, the striker is seen backing into opposition defenders only to subsequently lose the duel and fall down on the floor, exasperating pundits and fans alike.
His confidence seems shot and as seen from the Fulham cameo, Chido Obi is knocking on the door and given Hojlund’s disastrous form, it is only a matter of time before the academy sensation is handed his first senior start.
Hojlund’s struggles
Naturally, given his poor showings, there have been murmurs that the Red Devils are looking to move him on in the summer with the likes of West Ham United, Juventus and even Leeds United linked with a move.
But there is also a growing realisation that most teams are eyeing a cut-price deal which will involve INEOS taking a huge hit on their investment.
Which is why Teamtalk have reported that Amorim and his coaches are still holding out hope that Hojlund will eventually come good.
One must consider the financial reality around Old Trafford and huge outlays might not be possible given the lack of European football. Which is why the former Atalanta starlet might be staying put irrespective of his woeful displays.
Amorim still hoping against hope
“Bringing in any money for Hojlund doesn’t mean that much if the club is still making a book loss. United are not thinking necessarily about offloading Hojlund as Ruben Amorim still sees potential despite the Dane only scoring two Premier League goals this season.
“The Red Devils still believe that Hojlund can live up to his potential and his price tag. So, we’re not really looking at the moment about a scenario where United are trying to force the striker out.”
The 20-time English league champions have been linked with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres as well as Matheus Cunha but the trio’s price is prohibitive while the first two would also demand humongous wages.
Liam Delap of Ipswich Town has emerged as a cost-effective option but he also has other suitors and it will be interesting to see the makeup of United’s forward line come next season.
Feature image Alex Livesey 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
