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Despite his Europa League final horror show, Rasmus Hojlund was again given the nod to start against Aston Villa in the final Premier League game of the season on Sunday.
The Red Devils won 2-0 at Old Trafford courtesy of goals from Amad and the departing Christian Eriksen, while the United No. 9 once again cut a forlorn figure up top.
In 81 minutes, he completed only six passes, and his biggest impact was getting Emiliano Martinez sent off in the first half. But his anticipation, work rate, and ability were once again poor, like on Wednesday.
It was surprising to see Ruben Amorim play him for so long. It has been nothing short of a disastrous campaign for the striker, who managed a meagre four goals in 37 domestic games for the club this season.
Rasmus Hojlund felt a lack of support
His confidence looks shattered, and according to The Athletic, the 22-year-old is someone who needs help both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
The departure of Marcus Rashford, the club’s most experienced forward, in January, and the lack of support options following Joshua Zirkzee’s injury has not helped matters.
The ex-Atalanta star feels his teammates have often ignored him despite having the opportunity to pass to him in dangerous areas.
“Ideally, Hojlund would have shared the load, but he endured a difficult campaign. He is seen as a player who needs others around him, both on the pitch and for support in the dressing room.
The Rasmus Hojlund dilemma for United
“He can cut an isolated figure in Amorim’s system. More than once, players have chosen not to pass to him in attacking situations. Serie A side Inter are looking at him as a possible summer signing.”
Hojlund will point to a lack of service, but his own runs and lack of anticipation have often not helped matters. It is clear that he is not ready to lead the line for a club of United’s stature.
United have slashed his asking price but even that might prove difficult for lot of teams, and INEOS could be forced to loan him out in a bid to increase his market value and confidence, like with Antony and Jadon Sancho.
There is interest from Italy and Turkey and it will be interesting to see what happens with the Danish star. He could have been a player of promise, who could have learnt from an experienced partner.
But throwing him into the deep end and asking him to adjust has ultimately proven to be a disastrous decision, both footballing-wise and financially, with the club unlikely to recoup close to the initial £64 million they paid in 2023.
Feature image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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