Legendary Premier League striker Alan Shearer has branded Manchester United star Rasmus Hojlund “a damaged player” following another poor performance on Sunday against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
United suffered a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford, with Pablo Sarabia’s 77th-minute free-kick proving the difference between the two sides.
Ruben Amorim stuck with Hojlund to spearhead the attack, but as has often been the case this season, the striker found it difficult to vindicate his inclusion.
Hojlund had little impact on the game, with his most notable moment coming when he squandered a golden chance to score. Alejandro Garnacho delivered a perfect ball across the box, but the Dane, despite sliding in, failed to make the crucial connection to steer it home.
Asked about Hojlund’s struggles after the match, Amorim was quick to insist that the lack of goals is a team problem and not just an individual issue.
The United head coach explained that he and his coaching staff will review video footage with Hojlund to try and correct the flaws in his game.
Shearer spoke on Match of the Day 2 and said about the 22-year-old, “I’m looking at a damaged player in Hojlund. I think he wasn’t ready and isn’t ready to lead the line at a club like Manchester United.”
“Three Premier League goals, and at the minute I’m seeing a player that doesn’t really want to get in there.”
“He’s perhaps a second too early or a second too late, and his timing is all wrong. I think there’s no doubt he’s (suffering from) a crisis in confidence.”
The former Newcastle man continued, “He’s been put into a really difficult situation at a club where unless you’re exceptional, to lead the line for the football club you have to be really talented.”
“He’s not at the stage of his career where he should be leading the line. I’m not saying there’s not a good player in there, I think there is a good player in there. But the pressure that’s on him in terms of doing what he can’t do and also the price-tag, he’s not ready to lead the line as yet.”
“I’m looking at a damaged player in Hojlund.” @alanshearer on Rasmus Hojlund’s poor form for Man Utd #BBCFootball #MOTD2 pic.twitter.com/lQ3TfjVu2d
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) April 20, 2025
The result left United stuck in 14th place in the table, level on points with Wolves in 15th, but narrowly ahead due to a superior goal difference.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
