15 touches in the derby, Manchester United star was simply not good enough, and fans will not be surprised

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Manchester United were low on quality in the draw with Manchester City, a 0-0 stalemate.

The Manchester derby began at an electric pace, with Alejandro Garnacho bursting through the City defence and being fouled on the edge of the penalty box.

The next 89 minutes were dull, providing few highlights or goalscoring opportunities.

Considering United’s poor home record this season, a draw was not the worst result, but it was a game where familiar problems were evident.

Rasmus Hojlund simply not good enough

Manchester City’s first choice striker was not available, with Erling Haaland ruled out of the fixture due to injury.

What was Manchester United’s excuse for a lack of goals?

United’s first choice striker Rasmus Hojlund started the game. Unfortunately the reality is right now he is simply not good enough to lead the line for the club.

Despite flickers of promise in his debut campaign for the club, 2024/25 has been a wretched campaign for Hojlund.

He was anonymous against City and it was crystal clear to all the fans in attendance and watching around the world that he is a key weak point in this team.

Hojlund numbers vs City

Rasmus Hojlund’s performance against City saw him touch the ball only 15 times and was substituted off after 71 minutes. Joshua Zirkzee had 11 touches in 20 minutes when he replaced him

• HOJLUND vs City
• 15 touches
• 7/9 passes complete
• 0 shots at goal
• 1 touches in penalty box
• 1/3 duels won
• 0/1 headers won

Rasmus Hojlund’s lack of movement inside the box was highlighted against Forest in midweek when temporary forward Harry Maguire was involved in multiple scoring opportunities.

United paid heavily for Hojlund and are yet to really see signs the investment was warranted.

This season Hojlund has scored only eight goals, and only three have come in the Premier League.

In his second season at the club, Ruud van Nistelrooy scored 25 Premier League goals for Manchester United, 44 in all competitions.

That is the class of striker Manchester United demand up front. Hojlund’s numbers are not good enough, and nor are his performances.