Newcastle striker Callum Wilson has tipped Manchester United star Rasmus Hojlund to make a real impact next season after praising him as a “top player.”
United completed their acquisition of Hojlund in a £72m deal from Atalanta last summer, with the Denmark striker missing the opening of the season due to injury.
Hojlund did make an impact in the Champions League this season after he scored an impressive six times in five matches for United.
However, the Denmark international has faced criticism over his goalscoring output in the Premier League, with Hojlund only scoring twice in 16 league matches.
Hojlund failed to score in his first 14 Premier League matches before ending his goalscoring drought in United’s 3-2 comeback win against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
The former Atalanta striker scored again, as well picking up his first Premier League assist, in United’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Wilson on United star Hojlund
United legend Roy Keane has openly voiced his criticism over Hojlund’s lack of consistency in the final third, with the Red Devils striker under pressure to deliver.
Erik ten Hag kept faith in Hojlund during his goalscoring drought and he is hopeful the Danish forward can forge an effective partnership with Marcus Rashford.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Footballer’s Football Podcast, Wilson has backed Hojlund to turn things around at United after a difficult adjustment period.
“Sometimes you get strikers that work hard for the team and give you so much off the ball and on the ball, without scoring the vital goals,” he said.
“[Roberto] Firmino as the number nine did so much for the team but he just didn’t score as many as the other two, he might be sacrificing himself because of that.
“Hojlund is helping Rashford score, like when he got an assist for him [vs Tottenham]. He’s obviously a top player, he’s playing for Man United.
“He got 16 goals in all competitions last year, so I’m sure he’ll come good. He’s still young, you have to give these players time and it is difficult to adjust.
“I reckon next year he’ll be one to watch out for, for sure.”
Hojlund can turn things around at United
Hojlund has been thrown into the deep end during his debut season at United and not had the real opportunity to adjust to the demands of the Premier League.
Ten Hag has been short of striking options at United and Anthony Martial is all but certain to leave the club in the summer – if not earlier – once his contract expires.
The United boss will need to bring in another striker at some point to help alleviate the pressure on Hojlund’s shoulders to deliver week in, week out for United.
Hojlund has shown moments of brilliance this season in the final third, but it will take time for the Denmark international to make a much bigger impact at the club.
That’s not to mention the desperate need for United’s other forward options to start providing service to Hojlund on a regular basis.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/CX80PJd