Siddharth Juyal
Former Manchester United player Michael Owen defended the club over the amount they paid for Rasmus Hojlund during the summer.
Michael Owen, a former Manchester United forward, downplayed the fee paid for Rasmus Hojlund during the summer. The Denmark international had limited top-league experience before signing for the Red Devils.
United manager Erik ten Hag signed the 20-year-old as a long-term project who can make significant contributions immediately. The Dane has immense potential and many of his abilities are still raw and that needs experience and coaching.
The 20-year-old has given impressive overall performances to earn applause from the Red Devils fans and football experts. However, United require an immediate solution up front as they continue to starve for regular goals.
Owen told AceOdds.com (h/t Mirror) that the amount paid for Hojlund was just, given his age and qualities. He said:
“Manchester United have obviously done their homework. He does appear to be somebody that could be a fantastic player in the future. But you normally associate spending that kind of money on somebody that’s going to guarantee you 30 goals every season. Yes, they’ve got to pay through the nose for a kid, but they haven’t paid hundreds of millions. If somebody’s young and looks like they could be good, there’s a premium to pay.”
United signed Hojlund from Serie A side Atalanta for £72m during the summer transfer window. The Red Devils prioritized a forward that can lead the frontline after a less favourable goal output last season.
Manchester United ranked eighth in the Premier League for the most goals scored by a club. The club considered signing England captain Harry Kane but ultimately looked elsewhere due to his hefty price tag. Kane signed from Bayern Munich during the summer and currently enjoying a very prolific season in front of goal.
On the other hand, Hojlund has only scored three goals out of 11 appearances in all competitions. Each of the Dane’s goals came in the Champions League fixture. He is yet to score his first goal in the Premier League after featuring in seven matches.
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Hojlund has proven that he is more than just goal poaching as he provides great link-up and hard work upfront. The Denmark international makes regular unselfish off-the-ball runs to open spaces for his other attacking teammates.
However, United are desperate for their main forward to start contributing with goals as the pressure continues to build. The Red Devils have lost seven out of 14 games in all competitions this season.
