It was so almost, so almost for United. Ruben Amorim once again led an injury-hampered squad, this time against Arsenal. Martin Ødegaard and the gang had come to Old Trafford to avenge the bitter FA Cup defeat on penalties, but almost had to leave Manchester with a loss. Had Rasmus Højlund done what he is paid for, this would have happened.
Declan Rice saved Sunday night for Arsenal with a goal in the 74th minute to make it 1-1 and level the score. Rice also made sure to take advantage of Hojlund’s inertia alone against David Raya, stopping the Dane effectively in what was a 100 percent goal chance. Because this time too, Højlund did not manage to score. The Dane got 14 minutes on the pitch, worked his way to two big opportunities, but still left the field without match-winning status.
United legend Andy Cole said earlier this week that he felt sorry for Hojlund, who at such a young age has been given the main responsibility as a striker at United, with no experienced strikers to guide him. That may be the case, but United supporters, who showed their displeasure with Hojlund in the Fulham game, when he was replaced by 17-year-old Obi-Martin, are unlikely to be more positive about the £72m player after the Arsenal game.
This was Højlund’s 20th game without scoring. Those who saw the Dane’s two huge chances against Arsenal to give Manchester United and Ruben Amorim three much-needed points, will probably agree that “This is no longer enough, Hojlund”. United can’t justify keeping hold of the Danish striker into next season.
