Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund endured another difficult game for the club, this time as he and his teammates fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea on Friday evening.
Marc Cucurrela’s goal was all that could separate the two sides. This latest disappointing result means that United have suffered 18 Premier League defeats this term.
The Red Devils remain languishing in 16th place in the table ahead of next week’s all-important Europa League final.
Back to Hojlund, the United striker had a bizarre moment in the second half, when he was hauled off the pitch by the referee for a kit violation.
Moments after the start of the second half and with the game still delicately balanced at 0-0, Hojlund was spotted wearing what appeared to be a smart watch on his right wrist.
Referee Chris Kavanagh took notice of this and wasted no time in instructing the United forward to leave the pitch and take off the appliance.
An embarrassed Hojlund ran over the the dugout while laughing sheepishly, and handed off the watch to a United member of staff.
It’s understood Hojlund was wearing the watch in the first half, hiding it very well under his bandages. As he headed over to the dugout, seemingly amused, Ruben Amorim looked far from happy with the incident.
Sums up everything wrong at United at the moment. Hojlund is the epitome of unseriousness.
He went on the pitch with a Fitbit. Covered by wrapping tape but got bagged. Wanted to make sure his steps are tracked.
Pathetic. pic.twitter.com/vsoX8yPzoL
— #TouchlineFracas (@touchlinefracas) May 16, 2025
Unsurprisingly, a number of fans have since come out and slammed Hojlund for the action, which temporarily caused the game to be halted and left United a man down.
Some supporters have jokingly suggested that Hojlund could have been more focused on hitting his fitness goals and step count than making an impact on the pitch
That moment perfectly encapsulates Hojlund’s United career so far – marked by embarrassment and costly errors.
It’s his second season at Old Trafford and he has yet to justify the £72m the Red Devils forked out to secure his services from Italian outfit Atalanta. The 22-year-old has struck just four Premier League goals this term. It’s simply not good enough for United.
It goes beyond his underwhelming stats. Hojlund struggles with fundamental aspects of being a striker, such as holding up the ball and linking up play.
Asked about Hojlund after the final whistle, Amorim claimed he remains “happy” with the player. The United coach went on to add that Hojlund is “improving.”
Absolutely, Ruben – and I suppose pigs are lining up for flying lessons.
Featured image by Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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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!
