Rasmus Hojlund was once again a frustrated figure in Manchester United’s FA Cup tie with Fulham at Old Trafford.
Hojlund’s struggles at Man United this season under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim have been well-documented, a striker with just seven goals in 34 games.
And it’s worth pointing out that five of those goals have come in the Europe League – Hojlund’s record in the Premier League is two in 22.
Right now the 22-year-old appears to be struggling for confidence and lacking technically in some aspects, a player who would be well suited to learning from a more experienced striker at Old Trafford.
However, that’s not currently an option available to Amorim, who barely has enough players to field a senior eleven, let alone make astute tactical changes.
Wayne Rooney says Rasmus Hojlund isn’t getting enough help at United
That being said, Wayne Rooney and Gary Lineker shared some interesting comments about Hojlund at half-time during BBC Sport’s coverage of their FA Cup tie with Fulham.
United were 1-0 down at the time owing to a header from Calvin Bassey that found it’s way past Andre Onana.
And both Rooney and Lineker concluded that Hojlund was being hamstrung somewhat by the players around him, who weren’t offering enough support in attack.
Lineker began the discussions by saying: “I mean he’s going through a tough time isn’t he, up front?”
Rooney then replied: “Yeah he is and I think, his movement actually here is really good, and slightly past the near post [his shot on goal].
“I think he’s quite unlucky on this one, but he’s tried – he’s making runs in behind, but I don’t think Manchester United are getting players close enough to help him.”
Lineker: “They’re not helping him are they.”
Rooney: “He’s having to try and get over the ball and use his body – I think the defenders have done well against him.
“But he’s making runs, he’s willing, but again here he’s a little bit isolated out wide – there’s no one supporting him.”
Ruben Amorim needs to change his Rasmus Hojlund plan
Of course, Hojlund was eventually replaced by Chido Obi in the 68th minute against Fulham, a damning verdict for the Denmark international.
But ultimately Hojlund simply didn’t have the set up around him to thrive – Joshua Zirkzee was rarely ever able to get close to his strike partner.
Hojlund evidently still has plenty of time to improve in the future, but he’s not currently impressing under Amorim in difficult circumstances.
Interestingly, Ally McCoist offered Amorim some Hojlund advice recently, noting something that David Moyes was doing with Beto at Everton.
A tricky situation for the number nine, but one that will definitely improve when he’s got more talent around him.
