Rasmus Hojlund has been struggling a lot this season (Image: Getty)
Patience with is wearing thin at , both internally and externally. The forward has now gone 16 games without finding the net, and with only two goals this season, serious concerns have arisen about his quality and future at Old Trafford.
Confidence in him within the squad is fading fast, with one coach reportedly delivering of the 22-year-old’s display against 10 days ago. His ongoing difficulties seem to validate initial reservations.
Just over a year ago, the former United captain, now 53, criticised Hojlund for not being ruthless enough and lacking a “real desire” to put the ball in the net. “I’d be fuming with him [if I was manager],” Keane said after the £72 million Danish striker failed to score against side in the last season, wasting multiple clear-cut opportunities.
“He wasn’t clinical… he’s missing his chances. We can say unlucky, oh dear. [But he has to] create opportunities [for himself], [and] put them in the back of the net. Stop messing about!”
A few days later, the Irishman doubled down on his criticism. “He’s had enough time now to settle into the club and English football, but this is Man United. You need that burning hunger to score goals,” he stressed.
“These players just don’t have the desire to score, and he [Hojlund] has not shown it. We’ve seen players come to Man United before and talk about being ‘unlucky,’ but you can’t wait forever.”
Roy Keane has been critical of Hojlund in the past (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Hojlund initially responded in the best way possible, netting seven goals in his next six games. However, his struggles over the past year have largely erased the momentum he built during that hot streak.
Not long after his arrival, emphasised Hojlund’s importance to the team but also challenged the striker to be more efficient with the ball. “I think he has to improve more because sometimes he gives too many touches when he holds the ball,” the United boss stated in November last year.
“It’s very important for us because when we are in a low block he is the guy to hold the ball and connect for transitions. He did that very well, he has those characteristics. He is aggressive in the box, he is a quality player… [but] he has a lot to improve.”
Hojlund made the switch to United from Atalanta in 2023 for an initial £64m, with potential add-ons pushing the total to £72m. At the time, he had just 18 league goals to his name – a figure he has since increased to 30.
However, United’s ongoing pursuit of strikers such as Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, Liam Delap, and Jonathan David signals that the club may already be planning for life beyond Hojlund. That leaves the Danish forward with only a short window to prove his worth – but given his recent performances, a dramatic turnaround appears doubtful.