Rasmus Hojlund looked gutted after the match. (Image: @____________Era on X)
looked severely disheartened as Denmark and icon Peter Schmeichel consoled him outside on Sunday evening. The 22-year-old’s goal drought extended to 20 matches in the clash against , during which he fumbled a gilt-edged chance to net a second-half winner.
Just before the clock struck 84 minutes, Casemiro dispossessed Mikel Merino on the edge of the Arsenal box, leaving Hojlund bearing down on goal with time to shoot. But the Danish striker took too long and didn’t pull the trigger before an inch-perfect Declan Rice challenge took the chance away from him. It was one of the most evident indications yet of Hojlund’s deteriorating confidence at the spearhead of Ruben Amorim’s attack.
Amorim dropped him to the bench ahead of Thursday’s pivotal Europa League clash against Real Sociedad, starting Joshua Zirkzee up front.
But after the Dutchman proved ineffective, the United boss called on Hojlund with around 15 minutes left to play in search of a morale-boosting winner.
Amorim’s widely reported priority is to sign a new goalscorer in the first summer transfer window of his rebuild, which won’t be softening the pressure on his current No. 9’s shoulders.
And Hojlund looked like a defeated man outside the Old Trafford tunnel as fans waited for signatures and photos after the match.
Rasmus Hojlund is on a 20-game goal drought. (Image: Getty)
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One supporter filmed him in deep conversation with Schmeichel before his elder compatriot pulled him in for a sympathetic hug.
@____________Era posted the 36-second video on X, writing: “Peter Schmeichel having a talk with Rasmus after the game yesterday. You can clearly see Rasmus is having a hard time… Tough to see.”
Attacking injuries and exits have fast-tracked Chido Obi’s promotion into the first team, and he has made a few substitute cameos in recent weeks.
The 17-year-old watched from the bench against his former club on Sunday and isn’t eligible to face La Real in Thursday’s last-16 second leg.
Peter Schmeichel having a talk with Rasmus after the game yesterday. You can clearly see Rasmus is having a hard time… Tough to see??????
— Stormzy (@____________Era)
It leaves Hojlund as United’s only striker for the remainder of their Europa League campaign. Zirkzee has found more joy in attacking midfield in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
Five of Hojlund’s seven goals in 37 appearances this season have come in nine European games, netting the other two in 23 Premier League outings.
United desperately need last season’s top goalscorer – with 16 strikes – to rediscover his confidence if they are to progress past the La Liga club.
Winning the Europa League, which earns Champions League qualification, represents the last remaining pathway into European football next season.