Manchester United might have beaten West Ham United 2-0 in a Saturday friendly, but for centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund it was a nightmare start to the pre-season campaign.
Hojlund went into the game with critics to answer. The widespread belief is that United need a new striker, and it was his job to quieten these claims.
Instead, the Denmark international star turned in an insipid display and has only added to the clamour that Ruben Amorim needs to strengthen this area of the team if the Red Devils are to challenge at the right end of the Premier League table.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have both bolstered the attack in deals worth a combined €150 million, but without a lethal striker to aid them, there is a feeling that United still lack a cutting edge.
Numerous big names have been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko the latest star associated with a switch to Amorim’s side.
🚨Rasmus Hojlund miss in the first couple of minutes of the game! 🤯🫡 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/rFQbuJlIMs
— Manchester United Forever (@Utd_Forever7) July 26, 2025
Hojlund criticism builds
But with sales likely required before any more business is done, there is no prospect of a deal in the meantime. That should concern United fans given the performance of Hojlund.
“This fixture was another bad day at the office for Hojlund, whose work ethic and commitment off the ball can’t be criticised but his problems centre around the in-possession stuff. He doesn’t create. He misses chances. That’s the start and end of it,” Sky Sports reporter Lewis Jones said.
“Two wild finishes in the first half epitomised his struggles, firstly striking the post when through on goal down the left before wildly ballooning another chance from the edge of the box into the stands.
“It’s been a good window for United so far – it would become a great one if they could find an upgrade on Hojlund.”
The Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst gave Hojlund a generous rating of 6/10, but this was the joint lowest score among United players.
I like Rasmus’ game, the runs, the way he fought
– Ruben Amorim
Amorim did defend his player. He said: “I like Rasmus’ game, the runs, the way he fought.”
These qualities have never been in doubt when it comes to Hojlund, though. The issue is his end product.
Signed from Atalanta in 2023 for €78m, he has returned just 26 goals across two seasons – well below expectations.
Although he has three years left on his Man Utd deal, he appears to be on borrowed time, and unless there is a remarkable turnaround, his Old Trafford career appears to be perilously close to ending in disappointment.
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