October 7, 2023. This is the last time the Manchester United striker has paid expensive penalties for scoring in the Danish national team shirt. 12 hours of international matches without scoring. When you add that the goal over a year ago was against San Marino, then everyone understands that Hojlund not only has a goal drought, but a problem. A problem Ruben Amorim is of course aware of.
This problem also applies to Manchester United. After each international break, the club has regained the player they have brought in as the top scorer with reduced confidence in front of the opponents’ goal. The 21-year-old does a job for the team when he is on the pitch, but is not a Haaland, Osimhen, Gyökeres or Sesko. The club, starved of titles, must have this at the top.
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In 2023, Højlund made a meteoric career with 7 goals in the European Championship qualifiers and entered as Denmark’s first choice at the top. Then came the move to Manchester United under Erik ten Hag. Heavy transition to the Premier League without scoring, then goals in a row, followed by injury and lack of form. The season ended with goals, but was not followed up this season. New injury and 1 goal in 7 games will be more of the same.
Some have pointed the finger at Ten Hag’s inability to use Hojlund in the game, but this defense of Hojlund is no longer up to par. On Saturday, Denmark played Spain in the Nations League, Højlund did a good job in the pressing game, but was not involved in the offensive game. This was the 11th international match without scoring from Højlund.
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The Dane is only 21 years young, but lacks the basic rawness, flair and finishing. Manchester United don’t have time to bet that it is Rasmus Hojlund who can take up the legacy of a Ruud van Nistelrooy or Wayne Rooney. Especially not when Viktor Gyökeres with his hat-trick against Manchester City becomes available in the summer and is a natural striker for the new United coach.
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