Manchester United are one of the most famous and successful football clubs in the world. They are supported by fans from every corner of the globe, and these supporters demand silverware at every level.
In recent years, Manchester United have gone through something of a torrid time. Major silverware has dried up, and the club has been plagued by both on and off-field controversies. Has Rasmus Højlund’s difficult start at Old Trafford been the result of his own failings or wider problems in the team? Let’s find out.
Højlund Joins United
Danish forward Rasmus Højlund began his career with Copenhagen in 2020. He quickly rose through the ranks and spent short spells at Sturm Graz and Atalanta before eventually making his dream move to Manchester United in August 2023. The player commanded a £64 million transfer fee, with an additional £8 million in reported add-ons.
For such a sum, Manchester United fans were expecting the best. He made his debut for United on the third of September 2023, coming on as a substitute as The Red Devils were defeated by three goals to one by Arsenal.
Manchester United’s woes at the start of the season were certainly not Højlund’s fault, but fans were hopeful that the young Dane could provide the team with the spark it needed to dominate the English Premier League once more.
Højlund’s Stats so Far
The Premier League is the most popular sports league in the world. It attracts huge viewing figures and generates an enormous amount of excitement. Millions of people tune in every week to watch their favourite team and the league’s biggest stars work their magic.
The arrival of a new, young forward player always creates a buzz. With players like Højlund generating a lot of action on gambling platforms like Red 32 Sports. However, since his arrival at Old Trafford, Højlund has yet to live up to his reputation.
The Dane has netted just six goals in 23 appearances and has made zero assists, and he only scored his first Premier League goal on Boxing Day, over five months since he signed for the club.
These aren’t great stats for a Manchester United forward. Fans expect him to be a constant goal threat. If he isn’t scoring, he should be providing defence-splitting passes and crosses that give other players the chance to get on the score sheet.
Why is Højlund Struggling?
Højlund isn’t the only player struggling at United. The team as a whole have failed to maintain any kind of consistency. They can play well one week and then terribly the next.
Some of the blame must lie at Højlund’s door. The Dane has missed a few sitters in his time at United, with fans and pundits also maintaining that he needs to work harder to create goal-scoring opportunities.
However, his teammates also need to do their part as well. He can’t win games by himself, and he needs more service to put the ball into the net on a consistent basis.
Højlund’s struggles can be seen as a reflection of the wider cultural problems at Manchester United. They must find form and find it quickly. Not just to salvage their season, but to salvage their reputation as a club to be feared in the Premier League and beyond.
Conclusion
Højlund’s poor start at Manchester United is likely a result of both individual deficiencies and a lack of support from his teammates. Forwards need service, but they must also be able to take the game by the scruff of the neck and create chances of their own. United must address their goal-scoring issues quickly before the fans lose patience.