Manchester United's coaching staff are growing increasingly concerned about Rasmus Hojlund's performance as the Danish striker's goal drought extends to 16 games, with his last goal coming in a Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen on December 12.
The £72 million ($91m) signing from Atalanta struggled to make an impact during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park. In a telling moment, United's traveling supporters greeted his substitution with cheers when he was replaced by 17-year-old prospect Chido Obi with 20 minutes remaining. While the reaction was partly due to excitement over seeing the young talent Obi, The Manchester Evening News reports that there was also an underlying sense of displeasure with Hojlund's performance.
According to the same source, the frustration extends beyond the fans to the coaching staff. One member of Ruben Amorim's backroom team was particularly critical of Hojlund's ineffective display in the recent 1-0 defeat at Tottenham. Despite their growing concerns, the coaching staff are reportedly maintaining a supportive approach in training sessions, working to help the forward rediscover his scoring touch.
The timing of Hojlund's scoring drought couldn't be more critical as United prepare to face relegation-threatened Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Wednesday. The match carries significant implications for both teams, with United currently sitting 13 points above Ipswich with 12 games remaining in the season. A defeat would narrow that gap to 10 points, potentially drawing the Red Devils into an unexpected relegation battle. The upcoming fixture presents Hojlund with another opportunity to break his scoring drought and silence his critics.
Notably, United's two goals in the thrilling comeback against Everton came after Hojlund had been substituted, adding further pressure on the Danish international to justify his substantial transfer fee.
