Rasmus Hojlund has been picked to represent Denmark during this month's international break despite his form at Manchester United
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Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund has struggled for form at Man United
(Image: PA)
Denmark manager Brian Riemer believes Rasmus Hojlund needs some national team love that could benefit him amid his struggles at Manchester United.
The 22-year-old currently finds himself in a difficult run of form, having scored just two goals in the Premier League this season. His last goal in the league came during the 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest at the start of December.
Hojlund could get another opportunity to end his goal drought when United host Real Sociedad in the second leg of the Europa League on Thursday evening, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. The Reds drew 1-1 in the first leg in San Sebastian with Joshua Zirkzee scoring the only goal for the visitors.
Despite his form, Hojlund was picked by Riemer for Denmark's Nations League quarter-final tie with Portugal this month. However, the Danish boss admitted he would prefer to pick players who are thriving for their clubs.
"Rasmus Hojlund form speaks for itself," Riemer told Ekstra Bladet. "I can’t say anything else, because you know the numbers.
"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 Hojlund really benefits from coming here and getting some national love."
When asked about Hojlund's situation at United, Riemer added: "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."