Amid the glittering expectations of a £72 million price tag, Rasmus Hojlund's maiden voyage in the Premier League has been a tale of unfulfilled promise and frustrating setbacks for Manchester United.
The Danish striker, hailed as the long-term solution to United's attacking woes, has found the net just once in his first fourteen league appearances, a statistic that weighs heavily on both player and club.
A Baptism of Fire at the Theatre of Dreams
Since his high-profile switch from Atalanta, Hojlund has struggled to replicate the form that made him one of Europe's most sought-after young talents. A persistent back injury has severely limited his playing time and disrupted his rhythm, leaving manager Erik ten Hag with a significant gap in his frontline.
The pressure at Old Trafford is unrelenting. Every missed chance is magnified, and for a young player adapting to the world's most demanding league, it's been a brutal introduction.
More Than Just a Goal Drought
However, to judge Hojlund on goals alone would be a disservice. His work rate and physicality have provided a focal point for United's attack, offering glimpses of the complete striker he can become. The club's broader inconsistent form and lack of creative service have undoubtedly compounded his individual struggles.
United's hierarchy and Ten Hag remain publicly steadfast in their support, viewing his development as a long-term project rather than a quick fix.
The Road Ahead for United's Number 11
All eyes will be on Hojlund's return to full fitness. The coming months are crucial for the 20-year-old to silence his critics and justify the faith—and the fee—shown in him. For Manchester United, his success is inextricably linked to their ambitions of returning to the pinnacle of English football.
