Roland Cutinho
Pundit Graeme Souness is not sure about Manchester United’s summer addition Rasmus Hojlund’s ability to solve the club’s attacking problems
Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness is doubtful whether Manchester United’s recent summer signing, Rasmus Hojlund, can provide the necessary goals to upgrade the team’s performance this season.
Hojlund, who joined the club in a £72 million transfer from Atalanta just over a month ago, was signed by manager Erik ten Hag to bolster the team’s goal-scoring abilities, as they only managed to score 58 goals in the Premier League last season.
Despite being sidelined with a back injury, the 20-year-old made his debut against Arsenal last weekend and displayed a promising skill set, including good chemistry with his teammates and a noticeable presence up front.
Nevertheless, Souness hails Hojlund’s potential but has raised doubts about whether the young Danish player can genuinely make the decisive impact required at Old Trafford.
In an interview with the Express, the pundit said:
“I don’t think Manchester United are going to be any better than they were last season. They’ve spent £72m on a young centre-forward in Rasmus Hojlund, who has not got a great goal scoring record.”
“Now he’s come to a league where it’s really tough to get goals. I might be wrong but that’s one hell of a gamble for somebody that doesn’t have a proven track record.”
In the initial weeks of the season, Ten Hag faced a shortage of options upfront due to Hojlund’s absence.
As a result, Marcus Rashford filled in as the central striker in matches against Wolves and Tottenham, while Anthony Martial was chosen to start in games against Nottingham Forest and Arsenal.
However, the Danish striker finally made his debut in a 3-1 loss against Arsenal last weekend, where he showed great promise in the short second-half cameo.
He was particularly involved in the attacking move that allowed Alejandro Garnacho to score United’s second goal, which was later ruled out.
In our view, Souness’s recent comments on Hojlund seem premature and unjustified. The former Serie A ace is regarded as one of the most promising strikers, and it’s hasty to judge him based on one brief appearance for United.
Furthermore, he has been prolific at the international level, tallying six goals in Euro 2024 qualifying, which places him at the top alongside Romelu Lukaku and his fellow United teammate, Scott McTominay.
Hojlund has recently been nominated for the Kopa Trophy, an award recognising the best young talent in Europe.
With so much potential and achievement at such a young age, there is considerable excitement about what the future holds for him.
More Manchester United News
- Sergio Ramos declined an offer from Manchester United before joining Sevilla
- Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand gives a positive fitness update on Manchester United star Rasmus Hojlund
- New Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat outlines his winning mentality in first interview
It’s just a start for the young striker, and he will be motivated to score more goals for the Red Devils in the Premier League this season.
