Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has staunchly defended Rasmus Hojlund and claimed the Denmark striker is “under huge pressure” due to the lack of service from his teammates.
Rasmus Hojlund has been under mounting pressure over his goalscoring output this season, with the Manchester United star scoring eight times in 26 appearances.
The 20-year-old United striker has scored only twice in 16 Premier League appearances and five times in six Champions League appearances.
Hojlund has made two FA Cup appearances this season and the Denmark international found the back of the net in the 4-2 win against Newport County.
The Danish forward arrived at Old Trafford last summer after United paid a fee of £64m, plus a further £8m in add-ons, to sign him from Serie A side Atalanta.
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Ferdinand on Hojlund’s struggles at United
Manchester United punched their ticket to the fifth round of the FA Cup after their victory at the Rodney Parade on Sunday.
However, the Red Devils had to overcome a scare from Newport County after Graham Coughlan’s men scored twice against Erik ten Hag’s men.
Despite Rasmus Hojlund scoring in the injury time, United had 22 shots registered against Newport County and only one belonged to the former Atalanta man.
Rio Ferdinand was shocked when he learned of the aforementioned stat involving Hojlund and claimed the Denmark international is “under huge pressure.”
Speaking on his VIBE with FIVE show, he said: “This is a young kid still who is still finding his way, working out who he is.
“No-one knows who he is yet, what he’s going to be.
“As he is the club’s No 9 now, they’ve got to really make sure they’re directing everything that’s going to get the best out of him.
“He’s under huge pressure, imagine being him with Erling Haaland on the other side, still the top scorer but ain’t played for five weeks, sitting there chilling.
“And never mind the rest of the Premier League, the pressure all lies on the price he [comes] for. Surely, you’ve got to find a way to get the best out of him.”
Ferdinand slams lack of service to Hojlund
Hojlund showed his frustration during the Newport County clash after United winger Alejandro Garnacho didn’t pass to him during a clear-cut chance.
Both Garnacho and Antony – with the latter scoring and assisting against Newport County – have been criticised for not setting up Hojlund more often at United.
Ferdinand admitted that he wants to see more from United’s other players and wants them to feed Hojlund with more opportunities in a match.
“We keep saying it, it’s a broken record: put the ball in the bloody box!” he added.
“Put the ball in and around him [Hojlund] when you’re in the wide areas. Don’t try and make it too pretty.
“He makes good runs when they’re out wide, I’ve seen enough of him close enough to see he makes good runs. But the people from wide areas have got to be told to put that bloody ball in the box.
“He’s not been allowed to be greedy enough. He’s starved, my man is being starved! He’s dealing with rations at the moment.
“I don’t know why. Are they looking at him and thinking, ‘He’s dry, I can’t play him the ball?’”
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