Rasmus Hojlund had a night to forget at the DW Stadium on Monday evening as Manchester United booked their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The 20-year-old returned to the starting 11 after missing the Red Devils’ final match of 2023, which saw them fall to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest.
Hojlund was only absent through illness, and so slotted straight back into his usual No.9 role against Wigan Athletic in hopes of adding another goal to his tally, having opened his Premier League account on Boxing Day after a 15-game wait.
However, his showing last night certainly left a lot to be desired; the forward saw two huge chances go astray in the first half, one of which was an open goal and a must-score opportunity.
When he arrived at Old Trafford in August, supporters were aware that Hojlund wasn’t the finished product – a rough diamond that needed polishing with some proper coaching. But his price tag of £72 million means that each squandered shot, as well as leading the line for the 20-time champions, automatically puts you in one of the most scrutinised positions in world football.
Keane laments Reds’ squandered chances
Roy Keane had his say on United’s misfiring frontline in the ITV studio, telling the panel: “You’re too kind, you’re too kind, I’d be fuming with him [Hojlund]! Tonight, they [United] brought their habits from the Premier League in terms of missing chances, [and] not being clinical. I want to see that side of United tonight.
“With the striker, he’s missing his chances, so we can say unlucky, oh dear. Create opportunities, put them in the back of the net, stop messing about!”
"You're too kind, I'd be fuming with him!" 😤
Roy Keane is not having it from Roberto and Wrighty! 😆#ITVFootball | #WIGMUN pic.twitter.com/wz2KDXdSaH
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 8, 2024
Footage courtesy of ITV.
