Robbie Savage backs Man United's Rasmus Hojlund despite dismal Premier League goal tally
Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund
Former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage believes lack of service is responsible for Rasmus Hojlund’s poor start at Old Trafford.
The Danish forward arrived at the club following a £64m move from Atalanta last July, though he is yet to score in the Premier League in 13 appearances.
To his credit, the 20-year-old has scored five goals in six Champions League games for the club, however those remain his only efforts in 21 games.
Savage has questioned the amount of service Hojlund receives from his teammates. He told Planet Sport: “When you look at the structure of Manchester United’s side, how many chances does he actually get?
“He doesn’t get too many through balls played to him for a striker that loves to play on the shoulder and possesses great pace – and how many times has he actually been played in one on one?
“How many times have the wide players picked him out with a cross, or Bruno Fernandes played balls through to him? The full-backs don’t create many chances for him either.
“I have sympathy for Hojlund because I think they have to create more chances for him. At times, I don’t think the players in the forward areas for United get their heads up quickly enough to find that final pass.”
Hojlund isn’t the only one struggling for goals. Anthony Martial has scored just once in the Premier League this season while Marcus Rashford has two goals to his name in the competition.
United’s top scorer this season is midfielder Scott McTominay who has found the back of the net six times in 15 appearances.
“It is not all Hojlund’s fault,” added Savage. “I’d be intrigued to see just how many chances have been created for him and how many goalscoring opportunities he has actually had. I think he’ll come good, undoubtedly.
“He’s got great potential and five goals in six games in the Champions League this season shows that he can score goals, they just have to be patient with him. However, it is very hard for people to be patient with the starting number nine at Manchester United.”
Hojlund's next opportunity to score is likely to come away at West Ham as United attempt to improve their form away in the capital.
