Manchester United’s players have been accused of ignoring Rasmus Hojlund against Sheffield United.The 20-year-old’s wait for his first Premier League goal continues following his £72 million move from Atalanta over the summer.He was replaced shortly after the hour mark at Bramall Lane, after Oli McBurnie cancelled out Scott McTominay’s opener from the penalty spot.Diogo Dalot’s second-half strike was enough to rescue all three points for Erik ten Hag’s side.
However, Chelsea legend Ruud Gullit reckons Hojlund’s teammates aren’t doing enough to help him get on the scoresheet. Speaking to Premier League productions (via the Metro), Gullit said: “I still think you have to get your striker on the scoresheet because if he gets on the scoresheet he gets confidence, then also the rest are looking for him all the time.”They don’t look for him as much and he’s in areas where you can have a look at him.
You see too many players too eager to score themselves, they’re coming inside, they want to hit the target all the time.”I played with [Marco] Van Basten, I always thought if I give it to him it’s a goal, if I hit it then it could be a goal. I’d rather give it to him because it’s a definite goal.”You know strikers, they’re selfish, they need to score goals. If he’s happy in the team that makes a huge difference for the rest.”Hojlund has been far more prolific in the Champions League, scoring his first goal against Bayern Munich, before netting a brace against Galatasaray, despite both matches ending in defeat.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag explained the reason he substituted the Danish international in the 63rd minute against Sheffield United was because he wants to keep Hojlund “sharp”.”He plays often whole games, but idea behind is we have to manage his minutes,” Ten Hag said after the game. “Also it is internal competition. We have to keep him sharp.”We have to swap in games, between games, otherwise we don’t keep the energy, focus and so fresh in every game.”
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