Rasmus Hojlund's Manchester United teammates have grown so unconvinced by his performances that they have become reluctant to pass the ball to him during matches, as the Manchester Evening News reports. The 22-year-old striker has struggled for consistency at Old Trafford since his £72 million move from Atalanta in summer 2023. His displays have left fellow players questioning his ability to make the most of scoring opportunities.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe publicly criticised Hojlund as an example of a player who was "not good enough" and "overpaid" that his regime had "inherited" from previous ownership, according to the Mirror. Despite this damaging assessment from United's minority owner, the Danish striker insisted this summer he would fight for his place at the club. The criticism from the hierarchy has only added to mounting pressure on the young forward.
New arrivals push Hojlund down pecking order
United's summer recruitment drive has further complicated Hojlund's situation with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and new centre-forward Benjamin Sesko. The Mirror reports that these signings have pushed the Dane down the pecking order at Old Trafford. Head coach Ruben Amorim appears willing to allow Hojlund to leave despite previously backing his improvement.
The symbolic nature of Hojlund's decline became clear when he was completely omitted from United's friendly against Fiorentina - the same day Sesko was paraded around Old Trafford as the new signing. The Mirror reported that Amorim left the striker out of both his starting lineup and substitutes' bench. Instead, Mason Mount was deployed as a false nine while the new signings Cunha and Mbeumo were also trialled in the position.
Uncertain future amid transfer interest
AC Milan have emerged as potential suitors for the struggling striker, according to talkSPORT reports cited by the Mirror. While Hojlund is not considered part of the so-called 'bomb squad' that includes Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho, his future remains uncertain. The Italian club's interest suggests there may be a route out of Manchester for the Denmark international.
Amorim refused to provide any assurances about Hojlund's future during United's pre-season tour, as the Mirror reports. The Portuguese coach praised the striker's link-up play and goal-scoring improvement but remained non-committal about transfer plans. "I don't know what is going to happen until the end of the market," Amorim said when pressed about Hojlund's situation.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Manchester Evening News", "talkSPORT" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
