Rio Ferdinand says one Manchester United player’s best attributes are not being seen

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Rio Ferdinand has detailed his Rasmus Hojlund concern as the Danish striker continues to be profligate in front of goal in the Premier League for Manchester United.

Rasmus Hojlund joined Manchester United for £64 million, in a move that was a massive risk but a risk that Erik ten Hag believed was worth taking.

The Danish striker cut a frustrated figure at Craven Cottage and looked ‘rusty’ against Marco Silva’s side.

Hojlund looked disappointed to be withdrawn in West London, things are just not quite clicking for the forward.

The money that the Red Devils spent on him has meant the 20-year-old has had no time to settle and find his feet in the Premier League, instead he has been thrown in from the off.

Ferdinand on Hojlund

Speaking to TNT Sport after the win over Fulham in the Premier League, the former United defender shared his big concern over the 20-year-old forward.

“I wish we’d had a bit more time with Erik ten Hag [to discuss Hojlund] because he’s invested in a player we’re not seeing the best of. His best attributes are not being seen because the team isn’t playing to his strengths,” Ferdinand said.

“He [Ten Hag] said in his press conferences we want to play a bit more direct with players like Hojlund and (Marcus) Rashford who can play on the counter. Too many times they get wide and the quality is nowhere near good enough.

“Antony doesn’t want to cross it, his first instinct is to see what he can do for himself. Marcus is more of a striker who wants to get on the end of things and see if he can finish. They don’t have the wingers to supply him at this moment in time.”

Hojlund’s need for a goal

The Dane’s last goal perhaps sums up the current struggles in the United attack. It was a brilliant solo run from the striker and an impudent finish to give the Red Devils the lead against Galatasaray.

However, the brilliance of that goal in the Champions League aside, United just don’t create enough chances for the forward.

The Red Devils, currently, have no winger whose first instinct is to cross and it could be argued they are using Hojlund in the wrong role.

Hojlund thrives on service but is getting no service from the flanks. Perhaps ironically, the one player who prefers to create rather than shoot is Jadon Sancho but he remains out in the cold under Ten Hag.