Rasmus Hojlund was involved in an angry exchange with Diogo Dalot during Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad, and one ex-Premier League hitman knows exactly how he feels
Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford
Chris Sutton has shown sympathy for Man United's Rasmus Hojlund following his barren patch(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Ex-Premier League ace Chris Sutton feels sorry for Manchester United misfit Rasmus Hojlund after his recent quarrel with Diogo Dalot.
Hojlund, 22, displayed clear annoyance with team-mate Dalot in Thursday's Europa League last-16 tie against Real Sociedad. The game was scoreless when Dalot missed a chance to deliver a routine cross to Hojlund, who was through on goal to bag a potential opener.
The Denmark striker has faced scrutiny after scoring only 23 goals in 79 appearances for the Red Devils since his £64million signing in 2023. Sutton - who was prolific for Celtic and Blackburn Rovers but failed to impress at Chelsea - offered some words of understanding ahead of United's face-off with Arsenal on Sunday.
"I've been where Rasmus Hojlund is right now at various points in my career where there is that slight hesitation in all aspects of his game," he wrote for the Daily Mail (via The Mirror). "Not scoring against Real Sociedad on Thursday means it's 19 games without a goal now and I do feel sorry for him, because I don't really see how he has had service and opportunities created for him.
"Diogo Dalot not crossing for him is a case in point. People can say it doesn't affect you, but it does. I remember at Chelsea when I was out of form I would tell myself there is nothing wrong but that hesitation is what kills you. This isn't lower-level football, you're playing against some of the best players in the world and if you are slightly off you can't afford that."
In addition to already being out of the FA Cup, United's future in the Europa League is now at risk, too. Ruben Amorim's men need a win at home to La Real in Thursday's second leg at Old Trafford if they're to go any further in Europe.
Chris Sutton holding a Sky Sports microphone
Hojlund has scored seven goals in 36 appearances this season and looks unlikely to match the 16 he netted during his debut campaign. His future in Amorim's XI has even been thrown into doubt following the emergence of teenage talent Chido Obi-Martin, who has made some encouraging cameos of late and is in contention to start against former club Arsenal.
Sutton, 51, contrasted the free and uninhibited body language of Obi-Martin against that of Hojlund, whom he said is "hesitating and looks unsure out there." The Scandinavian's last Premier League goal came in a 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest three months ago, while four of his finishes this term came against lower opposition in Viktoria Plzen and Bodo/Glimt.
"One thing that I'm sure, they are really anxious to score goals and to win games, so they are all doing their best," said manager Amorim of the Hojlund and Dalot fracas after the Real Sociedad result. "Sometimes they want to do the best, but they are not deciding the best way in that position.
Chido Obi-Martin of Manchester United reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Manchester United and Fulham
"It was a clear situation. Rasmus did really well, Dalot did really well, the decision was not the best. The important thing is to move on and not stay like them, fighting, and let's move on to the next opportunity."
With his side eagerly anticipating Sunday's game against their old rivals, breaking a 12-match league goal drought would put Hojlund's recent squabble firmly in the rear-view mirror. However, with new talent Obi-Martin rising through the ranks since his move from Arsenal's academy, opportunities may be running out.