Rasmus Hojlund was furious at his substitution in Manchester United’s 1-0 win at Fulham.
Rasmus Hojlund fumed as Erik ten Hag withdrew him while Manchester United searched for the winner in Saturday’s clash with Fulham, extending his wait for a Premier League goal. But Rio Ferdinand believes the 20-year-old Dane isn’t to blame for his early struggles, focusing attention towards Ten Hag’s system.
United splashed £72million to sign Hojlund from Atalanta in the summer, but he is yet to find the net in eight league games. All three of his strikes have come in the Champions League.
Hojlund has cut a frustrated figure on the numerous occasions he’s left the pitch while United have been hunting a goal this season. His usual replacement, Anthony Martial, has rarely boosted threat levels.
He couldn’t contain his anger at Craven Cottage with the game finely balanced at 0-0, shouting at the bench before slouching in his seat with a face of thunder.
Bruno Fernandes’ stoppage-time winner ultimately made for a joyous trip to west London, but Hojlund’s lack of service in the 1-0 triumph is a significant issue Ten Hag must solve.
And Ferdinand has suggested the Dutchman needs to tweak his attacking approach to play to Hojlund’s strengths, given he currently opts for two wingers whose natural instinct is to shoot.
“He’s [Ten Hag’s] invested in a player we’re not seeing the best of. His best attributes are not being seen because the team aren’t playing to his strengths,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports.
Rasmus Hojlund awaits his first Premier League goal. (Image: Getty)
“He [Ten Hag] said in his press conferences, ‘We want to play a bit more direct with players like Hojlund and Rashford who can play on the counter’. [But] too many times they get wide, and the quality is nowhere near good enough.
“Antony doesn’t want to cross it. His first instinct is to see what he can do for himself. Marcus is more of a striker who wants to get on the end of things and see if he can finish.
“When he’s making his movements the ball is being delayed and isn’t coming into the areas. He made one fantastic run in the first half and he was screaming for the ball and it ended up being a bad cross from Garnacho.”
Ferdinand played with almighty characters at United, including Ruud van Nistelrooy, one of the finest strikers in Premier League history.
Ruud van Nistelrooy made sure he received service at Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
And the former Red Devils defender recalled seeing team-mates cry because of Van Nistelrooy’s furious reactions to limited service from his wingers.
But Ferdinand can’t envisage Hojlund taking such a stance at his young age despite his furious reaction to being substituted on Saturday.
He continued: “The sooner they get the ball in the box for this guy [the more he will score]. He makes good enough runs. Play to his strengths. He’s not old enough to grab a few people and say, ‘Get the ball into me, guys’.
“He’s not that, and I wouldn’t expect that yet. Ruud van Nistelrooy, you didn’t cross the ball for him, and I see players resorted to tears because of his demands.”
