Rasmus Højlund has managed seven goals and an assist from 37 matches for Manchester United this season. This includes a brace in the Red Devils’ 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on December 12th.
Since then, the striker has failed to score or register an assist for Manchester United from 20 matches.
The Denmark international’s poor form for the Premier League club didn’t impact his place in the national team and was called up for the two matches later this month.
Wednesday’s edition of [Ekstra Bladet](https://ekstrabladet.dk/) states his selection wasn’t based on his Manchester United form for the past three months.
After announcing the squad, Denmark manager Brian Riemer spoke to the local press and Ekstra Bladet have relayed his comments.
It was no surprise to see the former Brentford assistant manager being asked to explain his decision to include Højlund in the squad. Riemer says the frontman could benefit from being away from Manchester United and some love from the national team.
_“Rasmus Højlund’s form speaks for itself. I can’t say anything else, because you know the numbers,”_ he said.
_“I would prefer to select a team where the players are bursting with self-confidence and in top form. But sometimes you also have to compromise. My job is to find the balance of how many of those who are not in top form I can select._
_“I think Rasmus Højlund really benefits from coming here and getting some national love.”_
When asked ‘how worried’ is he with Højlund’s situation at Manchester United, Riemer explained: _“I’m not worried at all. Rasmus is a strong character. I’ve been in close contact with him._
_“I’ve been in this game for many years. That’s football. It goes up and down. I don’t know any striker who hasn’t been in scoring crises._
_“When he scored seven goals in six games in a row \[last season for Manchester United\], we were all ready with a 100-year contract. That’s football. Suddenly the boil pops up again, and then we’ve forgotten what happened._
_“Rasmus is an important part of our team. With the qualities he possesses in terms of scoring goals and participating in our pressing game, we are happy to have him with us for the two upcoming international matches.”_
The national team manager’s confidence should come as encouragement for Højlund.