Manchester United fans will have one eye on Denmark this summer as Euro 2024 is now just days away from the big kick-off in Munich.
Just when you think football is over for a while, there is more around the corner.
Manchester United’s season ended with an FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May, just over two weeks ago.
Many United players will be enjoying a rest right now, especially after a testing season at Old Trafford.
Others are gearing up for more football as Euro 2024 and Copa America are just around the corner.
Euro 2024 kicks off on Friday night with Germany hosting Scotland whilst Copa America gets underway just a week later as Argentina look to defend their crown.
Rasmus Hojlund on his Denmark performance
United will have a host of players in action across the summer and two players will be featuring for Denmark this summer.
Playmaker Christian Eriksen is one of them as he looks to find his best form at Euro 2024 despite a lack of starts for United.
Eriksen was praised by the Danish media last week having impressed against Sweden and will again serve as Denmark’s top creative talent.
Then there is teammate Rasmus Hojlund, who heads into his first major tournament with Denmark.
The United striker went through an up-and-down first season at United but still ended the campaign with 16 goals across all competitions.
Hojlund looks set to start Euro 2024 in the Denmark starting lineup but he hasn’t managed to score in warm-up games against Sweden and Norway.
Hojlund has defended his performance against Norway, believing that he ‘played well’ but just couldn’t find the key moment to score with Norway’s Leo Ostigard preventing him from finding the net – which could have ended in injury.
“I think I played well today. I have to keep a good hold on the ball,” said Hojlund whilst speaking to Bold. “It’s clear I won’t score. I have a nice finish, and then there is a transition where Leo Østigård comes down and stops me. But in general I am quite satisfied with my performance,” he added.
Danish press unsure again
Hojlund was happy with his own display but the Danish media didn’t feel the same way.
The Danish press weren’t convinced with Hojlund against Sweden last week and it’s a similar story after his latest display.
Bold rated Hojlund at just four out of 10, suggesting that he should be pleased that he doesn’t face major competition for his striking spot.
They feel that Hojlund’s effort and work rate can’t be criticised but he just hasn’t looked like a major goal threat in recent games.
“The United striker must be happy that there is no serious alternative to him in the Danish squad. As usual, you can’t put a finger on his fighting spirit, but on the other hand, many things can be put on his ability to turn it into great chances. We must work towards the European Championships,” they wrote.
TV2 also handed Hojlund a 4 rating, believing that he struggled and that his confidence levels for Denmark are taking a hit having failed to score of late.
“Højlund struggles with his game. It has been a long time since he has scored in the national team, and it is gradually affecting him. You can’t say that he wasted any great chances, because he didn’t get any,” they wrote.
These are just friendly games and Hojlund will hope to find his shooting boots once the real action starts in Germany.
We have seen Hojlund go through periods of low confidence in a United shirt too, but he has shown a great ability to bounce back.
Hojlund has outstanding physical qualities and ended the Premier League season with two goals in two games.
The talent is there, but there may just be some inconsistency with Hojlund at this stage in his development.
Denmark are finding that right now with Hojlund going four games without a goal for his country, but we know how good he can be and the big stage could bring out the best in him this summer.
Denmark take on Slovenia, England and Serbia in the group stage and Hojlund may need to come up with some big displays – or Denmark could be sent home rather quickly.
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