Manchester United's campaign has been frustrating, and one former Red Devil believes one United striker would benefit from an Old Trafford exit
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Head Coach Jose Mourinho of Fenerbahce speaks during the press conference following the Turkish Super Lig week 36 football match between Fenerbahce and Ikas Eyupspor at Ulker Stadium in Istanbul, Turkiye, on May 18, 2025
A former Manchester United star thinks one of the club's current forwards would be better suited to Jose Mourinho
(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Former Manchester United star Phil Jones believes Rasmus Hojlund would benefit from an Old Trafford exit. Hojlund, 22, has endured an arduous second campaign on the red side of Manchester, where he has failed to justify his price-tag.
Since the Red Devils paid Atalanta £72million for his services in 2023, the Dane has struggled for consistency in the United frontline. This season, he has only mustered ten goals and four assists in 50 appearances in all competitions, with nine of his goal contributions coming in the Europa League.
Amorim was flitting between Hojlund and summer signing Joshua Zirkzee, until the latter picked up an injury that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign. Jones, who was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad that last won the Premier League, believes Hojlund may be better suited under Jose Mourinho.
While speaking to OLBG, Jones described the Scandinavian forward as: "A typical Jose Mourinho type of player - typical No.9."
The ex-Blackburn Rovers defender then added: "It’s a difficult one, I feel really sorry for him (Hojlund). It's obviously been a difficult season for him, but I always find it's difficult for a No. 9 in a difficult season.
"He's probably not getting the chances, you know, the seven, eight chances a game. He's feeding off one or two that might come into him in the 70th minute, and he's got to produce.
"It hasn't quite happened for him yet. It's been difficult for him, but I think if he were to move on, he would probably benefit from that. A bit like Marcus (Rashford), it's a fresh start for him.
Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United looks on during a stadium walk around ahead of the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 20, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain
Hojlund has struggled at Old Trafford ever since his big money move
"It's a difficult one for Rasmus Hojlund. What I would say is, I think that Man United will be looking for another No. 9. Maybe that would take a bit of the pressure off him as well if he can manage his minutes between the two No. 9s."
Mourinho left United midway through the 2018-19 campaign after being given his marching orders by the club. Having managed Tottenham Hotspur and AS Roma, Mourinho is now in charge of Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
Interestingly, Turkish outlet Sozcu recently claimed Hojlund was being eyed as a potential signing for Mourinho at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. There have also been suggestions that United manager Ruben Amorim may want to bring in his own forward, having inherited Hojlund and Zirkzee from Erik ten Hag's reign.
Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United battles for possession with Alexander Djiku of Fenerbahce SK during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Fenerbahce SK and Manchester United at Fenerbahce Suekrue Saracoglu Spor Kompleksi on October 24, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey
Hojllund has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. The ex-Manchester City forward is believed to have a release clause worth around £30m.
He has impressed for the East Anglians this year, netting 12 goals and contributing two assists, despite playing for a side who were convincingly relegated this season. United have also been mentioned as a potential destination for Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swedish striker starred under Amorim before the United boss left the Portuguese giants to take up the reins at Old Trafford.
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