Denmark national team boss Brian Riemer has swung to the defence of under-fire Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund following his poor display in the country’s 2-1 win over Northern Ireland.
Departing United midfielder Christian Eriksen scored the winning goal as Denmark recovered from an early setback to beat Northern Ireland in Copenhagen on Saturday.
But it was Hojlund who grabbed most of the headlines, for all the wrong reasons.
He was handed a start, but much like during large spells of the 2024/25 season with United, the forward failed to make his presence felt or justify his inclusion.
He failed to win any of his duels, didn’t register any shot at goal and only completed five passes during the 66 minutes he was on the pitch.
It was the type of display United fans have sadly grown used to from the 22-year-old.
Speaking after the match, Riemer was asked to weigh in on Hojlund’s disastrous showing. He admitted he was “super upset” on the United striker’s behalf, firmly stating that the blame lay with him rather than the player.
Riemer said [as quoted by Ekstra Bladet], “I’m super upset for Rasmus.”
“It was planned that he could have had a nice first half, but when you stand as one 9, and Damsgaard ends up standing too wide, so we suddenly lack a lot of points around Rasmus, he becomes isolated, and then the match ends as it does.”
“It’s a bit on my shoulders. I should have been better at fixing it in the first half.”
“It was difficult for him, and it wasn’t what we had hoped for.”
Asked about Riemer’s remarks, Hojlund explained, “It will always be up for discussion. I have high demands on myself, and I would have liked to have handled some balls a little better than I did.”
“Now I have played 25 international matches, have a lot of experience and play for one of the world’s biggest clubs, so I also think I have to do better.”
Denmark are back in action on Tuesday when they take on Lithuania in another friendly.
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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!
