Say it quietly, but Rasmus Hojlund is starting to slowly showcase what he is all about at Manchester United.
There is still a long way to go, but goals in back-to-back Premier League games will be huge for the striker and his confidence.
Whilst some doubt if the 20-year-old can cut it in the colours of Manchester United, the feeling from Peter Schmeichel is completely different.
The legendary goalkeeper is backing Rasmus Hojlund to explode on the Old Trafford stage by stating ‘I am so confident’ in his ability, as he told Premier League Productions (14/01/24 at 4:20 pm).
When it comes to the Champions League, you can’t critique what he produced during the group stages because he scored five goals as Erik ten Hag watched his team finish bottom.
It’s the Premier League where the £85k-a-week star has found life tougher, but the lack of service into him is a big reason behind that.
That was touched upon by Peter Schmeichel who lauded his fellow countryman and thinks he will come good at Manchester United.
Rasmus Hojlund’s goals for Manchester United
“People forget that he is only 20,” said Schmeichel. “He plays with a very mature head. I think where he has been struggling is the service to him hasn’t been there.
“It shows that he will be at the end of those chances if they are there, so he has lacked a little bit of service.
“I am so confident that this guy, once the floodgates open – he will get on the end of chances. He has that nous.
FT comments on Hojlund’s goal v Spurs: “I know him. I know his mentality. He talks about belief and ‘I never lost belief’. He is like that. He is a very confident lad. But he’s not a stupid lad, not someone who gets overconfident. He knows if he hasn’t played well and he will then work on it.
“That’s all you need, your striker to have one shot and one goal, and then you are happy. You can’t expect a striker to score on every chance – I am so happy for Hojlund that he now has that goal and he can take this and build on it.”
Patience is needed with Rasmus Hojlund
The issue for Man United is that they are looking for short-term answers when there needs to be patience with this young lad.
If the 20-year-old scores five Premier League goals this season and only seven next season, then understand his situation and the fact that he is only young.
The massive price tag on his head doesn’t help matters, but if Man United remain patient with the Denmark star, then he will come good in the long run.
And perhaps put players out on the pitch, especially in the wide areas, who are actually going to cross and pass him the ball.
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