Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel likened Rasmus Højlund to Wayne Rooney
Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel praised Rasmus Højlund’s potential while speaking to United Review (h/t Manchester United’s official site). The former United goalkeeper also suggested that the player could be as good as United Legend Wayne Rooney.
Højlund impressed the Old Trafford crowd in his debut start for the Red Devils against Brighton & Hove Albion. United lost the game 1-3 on Saturday, as their struggle in the Premier League continued.
However, Højlund’s impressive performance was one of the positives that the club can take out of the game.
Schmeichel, speaking to United Review (h/t Manchester United’s official site), provided a detailed assessment of Højlund. The former United goalkeeper highlighted the Danish forward’s physical and tactical qualities. He added:
“We’ve had different players in combinations, but the closest one I can get to is Wayne Rooney. Rooney wasn’t slow, but Rasmus is quick, and that’s different. I’m not saying Rasmus is as good as Wayne, because, my God, Wayne was so good and he achieved so much, but Rasmus could be that kind of player.”
The Red Devils’ legend Rooney made 559 appearances for the club while contributing to 253 goals and 145 assists. We believe Højlund should feel honoured to receive such a comparison to a legend so early in his United career, as the former England international earned recognition for his work rate, technical prowess, and aggressive play.
In the 64th minute of the match, the home team substituted Højlund when they were two goals down. The decision made United fans so furious that they booed their own manager Erik ten Hag.
United fans wanted to see the player continue as he looked like someone who could’ve instigated a comeback chance. Ten Hag decided to substitute the 20-year-old because Højlund had just returned from nursing a back injury.
The Red Devils have failed to acquire a striker in the last decade, someone who can lead the frontline for years. Players like Romelu Lukaku and United forward Anthony Martial have failed to live up to their price tag and potential.
United resorted to short-term solutions in reputed players Radamel Falcao, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Edilson Cavani. This strategy neither brought any big success to the club nor helped them implement a long-term project.
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United fans would be hoping that Højlund changes the decade-long struggle for a forward who can establish himself. A striker who can return joyful memories and success that they last enjoyed when Rooney was leading the charge.
