Man Utd insiders share true feelings on misfiring striker Rasmus Hojlund

Manchester United frontman Rasmus Hojlund has continued to struggle in the final third with his stats underlining his difficulties as insiders make observations over his determination and confidence

Those at Manchester United are split over Rasmus Hojlund with some praising his perseverance whilst others having observed that his confidence has been shot.

The Dane continues to struggle for goals at Old Trafford amid continued talk of the club pursuing a new striker in the summer. Hojlund cost the club more than £70million less than two years ago and was signed with a long-term view in mind.

However he’s not developed as many in Manchester had expected and this term has just two Premier League goals to his name. Last season he needed until Boxing Day before he finally scored in the league.

The Daily Mail reports that those at Carrington speak of his willingness to learn in training with his attitude remaining steady despite his difficulties in the other third. Other though have watched a player who looks bereft of confidence.

Ruben Amorim has looked to defend his striker as his struggles continue, claiming that the entire structure and performance of the team in the final third isn’t helping Hojlund with service very much at a premium.

He said earlier this week: “I think it’s clear, we as a team aren’t helping Rasmus. We don’t create a lot of chances. We have a lack of threat and you can feel it in the games. Sometimes we are in the final third but you don’t feel like we are a very dangerous team and you feel it also when we’re defending low and sometimes the opponent is not afraid of transitions. So I have this feeling also as a coach that we are not helping the strikers.”

United signed Joshua Zirkzee in the summer after he had an impressive year with Bologna, but he too has been unable to deliver in the final third with plenty of pundits insisting the club need a new frontman if they are to become a force again.

Amorim has continued his defence of Hojlund, previously saying: “He came here very young and when you’re young to be the No 9 and play all the time, sometimes it’s hard. It’s everything together.”

Rio Ferdinand has been among those to comment on Hojlund’s dwindling confidence and has cited how he always seems to seek out opposition defenders for contact, advising him that he’d be better off changing that approach.

“He has clearly lost confidence,” he said. “One of the things about Hojlund that I get frustrated about when I see him is that he always tries to fight the defenders and create contact.

“Sometimes you have to free yourself from contact, so when you have someone coming at you, it’s easier to take the ball and get into the spaces where you can influence the game, between the posts and in the box.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.