MANCHESTER UNITED IS REPORTEDLY LOSING CONFIDENCE IN RASMUS HOJLUND AMID A 16-GAME GOAL DROUGHT. FANS CHEERED WHEN THE £72 MILLION STRIKER WAS SUBSTITUTED FOR CHIDO OBI DURING THE EVERTON DRAW, REFLECTING THEIR FRUSTRATION WITH HIS PERFORMANCE
Manchester United's £72 million summer signing, Rasmus Hojlund, is under increasing scrutiny as his goal drought extends to 16 games across all competitions. The Danish striker, who arrived at Old Trafford with high expectations, has struggled to make an impact, and patience among fans and the club hierarchy appears to be wearing thin. The situation reached a boiling point during United's recent 1-1 draw with Everton, when Hojlund's substitution for youngster Chido Obi was met with cheers from the Old Trafford faithful—a damning indictment of the 20-year-old's struggles.
A Promising Start Gone Sour
When Hojlund joined Manchester United from Atalanta in the summer, he was hailed as the answer to the club's long-standing striker woes. With his physicality, pace, and potential, many believed he could become the focal point of Erik ten Hag's attack. However, despite flashes of promise, Hojlund has failed to deliver the goals expected of a marquee signing. His last goal came in a Carabao Cup tie against lower-league opposition in September, and since then, he has drawn a blank in the Premier League and Champions League.
The pressure on Hojlund has been compounded by United's inconsistent form this season. Sitting mid-table in the Premier League and facing an early exit from the Champions League, the Red Devils are in desperate need of a reliable goal scorer. Hojlund's inability to find the back of the net has left the team heavily reliant on Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford for creativity and goals, further exposing the lack of depth in the squad.
Fans Voice Their Frustration
The reaction to Hojlund's substitution against Everton was a stark reminder of the fine margins in football. As the number 11 flashed on the fourth official's board, a section of the Old Trafford crowd erupted in applause—not for Hojlund, but for his replacement, 18-year-old academy product Chido Obi. While some fans argued that the cheers were a show of support for the young debutant, others interpreted it as a clear message to Hojlund: his performances are no longer meeting expectations.
Social media was abuzz with debate after the match, with some fans calling for patience and others questioning whether Hojlund was ever the right fit for United. "He's clearly talented, but he's not ready to lead the line for a club like Manchester United," one fan tweeted. Another added, "We paid £72 million for a striker who can't score in the Premier League. This is becoming a joke."
Is Time Running Out for Hojlund?
While it's important to remember that Hojlund is still young and adapting to the demands of English football, the reality is that Manchester United cannot afford to wait indefinitely for him to find his feet. The club's recent history is littered with expensive signings who failed to live up to their price tags, and there is a growing fear that Hojlund could be the latest addition to that list.
Erik ten Hag has publicly backed the striker, emphasizing his work rate and potential. However, with the January transfer window approaching, rumors are swirling that United could be in the market for a more experienced forward to provide competition—or even replace—Hojlund. Names like Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen have been linked with the club, suggesting that the hierarchy may already be exploring alternatives.
A Crucial Period Ahead
The next few weeks could prove pivotal for Hojlund's Manchester United career. With fixtures coming thick and fast in the Premier League and Champions League, he has an opportunity to silence his critics and prove why the club invested so heavily in him. However, if his goal drought continues, the pressure will only intensify, and the calls for a new striker will grow louder.
For now, Hojlund remains a work in progress, but in the cutthroat world of modern football, patience is a luxury Manchester United can ill afford. The cheers that greeted his substitution against Everton were a sobering reminder that, at one of the world's biggest clubs, results matter more than potential. Whether Hojlund can rise to the challenge and justify his price tag remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: time is running out.
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