It doesn’t bode well for Erik ten Hag that his first-choice centre-forward, Rasmus Hojlund, is enduring turbulent form ahead of Manchester United’s return to action.
Indeed, the Red Devils’ upcoming run, which starts when they welcome Brentford to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, could well determine whether Ten Hag enters the new year in the dugout.
Reports have already suggested that losses to the Bees and in the subsequent Europa League tie against Fenerbache may result in the manager being immediately axed. However, England snapping up Thomas Tuchel has left INEOS scouring the market for alternatives after the German was deemed their No.1 candidate.
Hojlund spotted ‘lashing out’ in Denmark draw
In terms of Hojlund’s recent affairs, he has extended an untenanted goal drought over the international break for his nation, as he is now approaching almost a full year without finding the back of the net in a Denmark shirt.
It’s not as if he hasn’t been granted ample opportunities, either. He started each of the Danes’ four Euro 2024 fixtures before their last-16 exit but failed to make any impact at the tournament before returning to Carrington.
The 21-year-old proceeded to feature in United’s pre-season fixtures before he sustained a hamstring injury in the first match of the tour, being withdrawn in the first half after scoring the opening goal. As a result, his start to the season was delayed until late September.
On Tuesday evening, Kasper Hjulmand’s side oversaw a 2-2 draw with Switzerland in the fourth match of their Nations League campaign. Christian Eriksen scored and assisted in the clash, but Hojlund was again unable to etch his name onto the scoresheet – and he didn’t hide his frustrations on the pitch.
Danish outlet Ekstra Bladet – relayed by GiveMeSport – gave the forward a measly rating of 2/10, the lowest of any player on the night, adding: “The eagerness to perform is indisputable, but it almost seemed to become a problem.
“Hojlund looked stressed and, in several cases, lashed out with his arms over bad passes. It probably plays a part in the fact that he is now without a goal for the national team for almost a year – and more than 10 hours. A statistic that seems to haunt him.”
