Siddharth Juyal
BBC pundit Alan Shearer chastises Antony and Alejandro Garnacho for the lack of service to Rasmus Hojlund
BBC pundit Alan Shearer lambasted Antony and Alejandro Garnacho for barely feeding any passes to Rasmus Hojlund. United lost 2-0 away at West Ham United in the Premier League game on Saturday, continuing their dreadful form.
The Red Devils have lost 13 games in all competitions this season, unceremoniously out of Europe and the Carabao Cup. They have struggled with vulnerabilities in all departments this season while their struggle in attack continues from last season.
Last season, United scored only 58 goals in the Premier League as manager Erik ten Hag prioritized a forward signing. They signed Hojlund from Serie A side Atalanta to be a long-term solution to their forward problems.
United secured the 20-year-old for a massive £72.9m transfer fee with expectations of finally resolving their productivity issues. However, the Red Devils have only scored 18 goals from 18 matches in the Premier League this season.
Furthermore, forwards Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Antony have failed to produce goals or assists this season. Their overall contribution to the game is also lacking while Garnacho has scored some spectacular goals, he has been inconsistent.
The Red Devils attacking lineup looks like a bunch of individuals playing a team game with no cohesiveness or chemistry. Ten Hag has lauded the need to “stick to the plan” but no one knows what the plan is.
Speaking on Match of the Day(h/t X), Shearer criticized the lack of cohesion in the attack, particularly bashing Garnacho and Antony. He said:
“Have a look at this, Antony into Hojlund, six passes in what? Five games. All season, Garnacho, five passes? I mean that should be happening per game, never mind five or six games. So there’s something, well we can see what’s drastically wrong and they’re never gonna score goals unless they improve on that.”
Despite his age, Hojlund’s starting role at a club of United’s stature demands accountability. The 20-year-old has nine big missed chances in the Premier League so far, unable to end open his account.
Comparisons between the Danish international and United legend Wayne Rooney have arisen, but his style appears to resemble that of a poacher. Hojlund restricts his contributions and movements to the area around the opposition defenders, unlike Rooney, who dominated play all across the pitch.
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Rest assured, Hojlund needs to be fed more passes and the manager needs to make sure that happens. The 20-year-old has immense talent and potential to be a high scoring forward but for that, he needs assistance.
