Senior figures at Manchester United have reportedly given up on Rasmus Hojlund despite Ruben Amorim declaring his support for the player. Hojlund has endured a terrible campaign at Old Trafford, scoring just four Premier League goals in 31 appearances. The misfiring Dane will likely start in next week's Europa League final as United attempt to round off their dismal season with a trophy.
Hojlund joined the Red Devils from Atalanta in a big-money deal two years ago but is yet to justify his exorbitant transfer fee. He has faced no shortage of criticism over the last few months, owing to his lack of firepower and questionable work rate. The forward's poor form has led to speculation that he could leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, provided a buyer is found.
United chiefs are said to be losing patience with Hojlund as he nears the end of his second campaign at the club. Senior figures are furious with his work rate and are 'not having' the idea of keeping him next season, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The report suggests it is 'well-established' that he will be replaced in the summer, having failed to prove himself as a valuable asset during his time at United.
It comes just days after Amorim jumped to the defence of Hojlund, insisting he was 'happy' with his performance against Chelsea despite the absence of any goal threat.
"I’m happy, of course all the team has to improve, but the way he runs, he fights for every ball, loses a lot of duels, wins some duels, he needs to improve the connection," said Amorim.
"But he is improving. I’m really happy with him. He just needs to continue working hard and better things will come."
Roy Keane was among those to hit out at Hojlund after the final whistle against Chelsea, saying he looked like a youth player and urging people to stop making excuses for him.
"He looked like he had just come out of the academy," fumed Keane. "His runs weren't right, his timing, his hold-up play. Again, if you're a striker playing for Man United... even for the whole team, one shot on target?
"We keep making excuses for him. We talk about confidence, but you still think, when you're a striker, you have to make something happen sometimes.
"What the big clubs have, and what United have always had, is strikers who can produce something for themselves even if they're not getting great service. They produce something because they have quality.
"A bit of determination, a bit of experience, football intelligence. We don't see that with Hojlund. His side are up against it all the time. Obviously he needs a little bit of support, but, my goodness, sometimes you have just got to do a little bit better."