When Rasmus Højlund arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2023, he was heralded as the answer to the club’s long-standing striker woes. Signed from Atalanta for a fee in the region of £64 million, the young Dane was tasked with leading the line for one of the world’s most storied clubs. Fast forward to 2025, and Højlund’s time at Old Trafford has been anything but smooth. With just seven goals in 31 appearances this season, the 22-year-old is under increasing scrutiny, and questions are being asked about his ability to fulfil the lofty expectations placed upon him.
A Daunting Task: The Weight of the United Shirt
From the moment he stepped onto the pitch at Old Trafford, Højlund was burdened with the responsibility of being United’s main goal threat. In a team that has struggled to create chances consistently, the pressure on the young striker has been immense. Ruben Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November 2024, has been supportive of Højlund, often pointing out that his teammates need to do more to provide him with service.
“It’s not just about Rasmus,” Amorim has said. “He needs the team to create opportunities for him. We have to do better as a collective.”
While Amorim’s defence of Højlund is valid, the striker’s struggles cannot be entirely attributed to a lack of service. His movement off the ball, decision-making in the final third, and composure in front of goal have all been areas of concern. As former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby pointed out, “It is clear that he is not scoring enough goals. No one doubts that.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie: A Concerning Goal Drought
Højlund’s statistics this season make for grim reading. In 31 appearances across all competitions, he has managed just seven goals and one assist. In the Premier League, the numbers are even more alarming: two goals in 22 games. For a club of United’s stature, such a return is simply not good enough.
The Dane’s goal drought stretches back to the turn of the year, with no goals in his last 14 matches. As United prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, Højlund’s inability to find the back of the net has become a major talking point.
The Competition Conundrum: Zirkzee and the Search for a New Striker
Højlund’s struggles have been compounded by the lack of competition in the striker department. Joshua Zirkzee, signed from Bologna in January 2024, has failed to provide a consistent challenge for the starting spot, leaving Højlund as the de facto first-choice striker despite his poor form.
However, United’s reported interest in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres suggests that the club is actively seeking to strengthen their attacking options. Gyökeres, who has scored 34 goals in 35 appearances this season, would represent a significant upgrade and could push Højlund further down the pecking order.
Molby has warned that Højlund’s place in the team is far from secure. “They don’t have the money to go out and buy a top striker yet, but they have a lot of exciting young players, and Højlund is one of them,” the former Liverpool midfielder told Tipsbladet. “It will be exciting, but I have no doubt that Højlund will stay at Manchester United after the summer. Of course, he also has to deliver.”
A Lack of Mentorship: The Van Nistelrooy Factor
One factor that has often been overlooked is the lack of experienced strikers at United to guide Højlund. During his brief stint as caretaker manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy was unable to unlock the Dane’s potential, and the club’s failure to provide a seasoned mentor has left Højlund to navigate the pressures of leading the line on his own.
Amorim’s arrival brought hope of a fresh start, but the Portuguese coach has yet to find a way to get the best out of his young striker. With United’s attacking play often disjointed and predictable, Højlund has been left isolated and frustrated.
The Road Ahead: Time to Step Up
At just 22, Højlund still has time to develop into the player United hoped he would become. His physical attributes, work rate, and potential are undeniable, but he needs to start translating those qualities into consistent performances.
Amorim’s challenge is to create a system that maximises Højlund’s strengths while addressing the team’s broader issues. Whether that involves signing a new striker, tweaking the tactics, or simply instilling more confidence in the Dane, the clock is ticking.
Conclusion: A Defining Period for Højlund
Rasmus Højlund’s struggles at Manchester United are a microcosm of the club’s wider issues. A young player thrust into the spotlight, burdened with unrealistic expectations, and lacking the support system to thrive, Højlund’s journey has been far from easy.
However, football is a game of resilience, and Højlund has the talent to turn his fortunes around. Whether he can do so at Old Trafford remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the next few months will be crucial in determining his future at the club.
For United, the challenge is to provide him with the tools to succeed—or risk seeing another promising talent fall by the wayside.
Quotes sourced from Jan Molby’s interview with Tipsbladet and Ruben Amorim’s press conferences. Statistics via Opta.
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