The game against Leicester City was encouraging for the Manchester United squad but for one man, it was cathartic, as Rasmus Hojlund got back on the scoresheet.
Rasmus Hojlund broke his goal drought that had stretched to a remarkable 21 games and nearly 13 hours of competitive football with a calm finish in United’s 3-0 win vs Leicester.
The relief was clear to see in Hojlund’s message after the win, with the Dane cutting a figure equal parts relieved and excited for what was to come.
Now that he’s over that difficult period, he’s been in retrospective mood with his national side, admitting something that happened to him at Man Utd is the first time in his career he’s witnessed.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Rasmus Hojlund on Man Utd goal drought
The goal drought broke at the best possible time for Hojlund, who can now go and play a game or two away from the intense glare and scrutiny of Man Utd.
If he keeps this form up, then he will return to Carrington with even more confidence as United enter the crunch moment of their season.
Speaking to the press before Denmark’s latest round of international games, Hojlund admitted that the criticism he faced at United for his form has been unlike anything he’s ever seen.
Hojlund said (via bold.dk): “It’s the first time I’ve received that kind of criticism. There’s a bit more noise about it now, but when I was sold from FCK to Sturm Graz, they didn’t quite believe me, and I went down and took the spoon in the other hand.
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“But the point is that it has always been a character trait of mine to get up and keep going.”
Hojlund’s mentality will see him have a great career
The goal drought and criticism can United could have broken him but if it didn’t break him, he would have come out the other side a stronger person and professional.
That seems to have been the case and these words will be music to the ears of Ruben Amorim, who will be desperate to see Hojlund find his groove at the club.
United don’t have a limitless pot of money in the summer and a new striker is the costliest position to splurge on.
If they can see continuous and reliable improvement from here on till the end of the season, they might pivot from buying a marquee man to a bridge between Hojlund right now and his theoretical peak.
The Danish striker has proven that he’s got the mentality to succeed at Old Trafford, now it’s all about showing his ability.