Siddharth Juyal
Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha asserts that Rasmus Hojlund need more help than someone like Harry Kane
Former Manchester United player Louis Saha explained that Rasmus Hojlund lacks the skills and power that Harry Kane possesses. Saha claimed that Hojlund needed more help from his teammates to become a success at Old Trafford.
United are struggling all over the pitch this season with 9 losses out of 18 matches in all competitions. The Red Devils have conceded more goals than they’ve scored which is an unfamiliar situation for the club.
The forward department has only scored one goal in the Premier League this season, courtesy of Marcus Rashford. However, Hojlund has scored five goals in the Champions League despite failing to open his account in the Premier League.
Saha told Betfred (h/t Dazn) that Hojlund needs help from his teammates to be productive, unlike a forward like Kane. He said:
“Ramus’ skill and power isn’t going to be enough on its own because he’s not Harry Kane. He needs to be helped more by his teammates.”
United signed Hojlund from Serie A side Atalanta for £72m during the summer transfer window. The Red Devils targeted Kane throughout the summer before deciding to shift their attention towards the 20-year-old. The England captain eventually signed for Bayern Munich and he is currently having a very prolific season with them.
United manager Erik ten Hag opted for the Dane because the Dutchman viewed him as a long-term project. The 53-year-old prioritized signing a forward after the Red Devils struggled to score many goals last season.
The Red Devils scored 58 goals last season, ranking 8th in the Premier League for the most goals scored. Fans and football experts believed that United would make more progress and even challenge for a major trophy this season. However, Ten Hag has failed to instil a proper playing philosophy that can accommodate the players he has.
The United boss deployed a rigid 4-2-4 formation in the last two games before the November international break. The formation allows Hojlund to use his pace, and off-the-ball movement and exploit pockets of spaces within channels.
The wide forwards create spaces by operating in bylines instead of narrow, stretching the opponents. United captain and primary playmaker Bruno Fernandes operates right behind Hojlund to link midfield with the 20-year-old.
The new formation helped Hojlund score two goals in the 4-3 defeat against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.
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Saha’s assessment is somewhat valid as the young Dane needs help from his teammates to be more productive. Hojlund has given fantastic performances despite struggling in front of goals and that is a big positive for the player.
