Hojlund’s Underwhelming Season
Rio Ferdinand has offered insight into why Rasmus Hojlund has found the going tough at Manchester United this season. The Danish striker, despite showing promising signs during his early days with the club, has managed only two Premier League goals in 20 appearances, and he is currently stuck in a 15-match goal drought. Hojlund’s last goal came against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League in December, a stark contrast to the expectations that were set when he joined the Red Devils. This poor form has raised concerns among fans and experts alike, leading to a closer examination of what might be ailing the young forward.
Confidence and Team Dynamics
According to Ferdinand, a significant factor in Hojlund’s struggles is the lack of confidence, a common issue for players in high-pressure situations. "Confidence has obviously left the building in terms of the striker department," Ferdinand noted. This sentiment is not surprising, given the current state of United’s attack, which has been left thin on the ground. The team’s situation has been exacerbated by the long-term injury to Amad Diallo and the departures of Marcus Rashford and Antony in January, leaving Hojlund to shoulder much of the goal-scoring burden. Without a robust support system, the pressure on the Danish striker has undoubtedly intensified, affecting his mental state and, consequently, his performance on the pitch.
Technical Adjustments Needed
Ferdinand also pointed out specific technical adjustments that Hojlund needs to make to improve his game. "One of the things with Hojlund, watching him I get frustrated because he’s always trying to fight the defender and have contact," Ferdinand explained. This approach, while sometimes necessary, can often lead to Hojlund getting bogged down in physical battles, reducing his ability to make the quick, incisive movements that are crucial for a striker. Ferdinand suggested that Hojlund should focus on releasing himself from contact more often. "Sometimes release yourself from contact so when you have someone against you it’s easier to take the ball and get into areas where you’ll affect the game, in between the posts and in the box," he advised. This change in approach could help Hojlund find more space and create better opportunities for himself and the team.
Running Away from the Ball
Former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson echoed Ferdinand’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Hojlund’s positioning and movement. "The centre forwards need to run away from the ball. If you continue to come towards the ball you’re not scoring," Ferguson stated. This advice highlights the need for Hojlund to be more versatile in his movement, using his pace and agility to create separation from defenders and get into scoring positions. Running away from the ball can also help to stretch the opposition’s defense, opening up more space for teammates and leading to more goal-scoring chances for the team as a whole.
United’s Broader Struggles
The challenges facing Hojlund are not isolated incidents but part of a broader issue with Manchester United’s attack. Duncan Ferguson further elaborated on the team’s struggles, saying, "Man United need to create more chances. Man United don’t score goals. They’re one of the lowest goal-scoring teams in the league, quite incredible really for the history of Man United to not create chances and score goals." This highlights a systemic problem within the team’s offensive strategy. With a lack of creative play and goal-scoring opportunities, even players with the talent and potential of Hojlund are finding it difficult to shine. Addressing these broader issues is crucial for the team’s success in the future.
Moving Forward
Despite the current difficulties, there is hope for Hojlund and Manchester United. The young striker has shown flashes of brilliance, and with the right guidance and adjustments, he has the potential to turn his season around. Both Ferdinand and Ferguson’s advice provides a roadmap for improvement, focusing on confidence, technical adjustments, and tactical awareness. For United, rebuilding their attack and fostering a more goal-oriented approach will be essential. This might involve bringing in new talent, refining their playing style, and providing better support to their existing strikers. With the right changes, both Hojlund and the team can regain the form and confidence that have been missing this season.
