Manchester United looked to have finally solved a problem that has been a consistent issue for 10 years.
Since Robin Van Persie’s superb debut season for Manchester United, as his goalscoring exploits fired the Red Devils, under Sir Alex Ferguson, to their 13th Premier League title and 20th overall, striker problems have been rampant.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku were brought in under Jose Mourinho, whilst it looked like Anthony Martial might solve that headache under Louis Van Gaal, but for years, issues at striker have been rampant.
Well, players have come and gone tasked with leading the line but it looks like Erik ten Hag may well have finally cracked the code.
Hojlund the answer to United’s problems
When Ten Hag greenlit United’s £64 million signing of Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, it meant a marked change from the last few strikers who have led the line.
Due to money not being there for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, loans and short-term deals were the result.
Odion Ighalo and Edinson Cavani were brought in but no young striker was targeted to solve the problem. And then there was Cristiano Ronaldo too.
Hojlund represented a player who had bags of potential as a centre-forward, was young enough at 20 to improve and grow with the team and, perhaps best of all, was a fan of the Red Devils growing up.
It has been a slow start for the Dane but this last month has been a reminder of his quality and the first serious sign that this 10-year problem is close to being solved.
The move for the Dane was the first time United have really tried to address this issue, and it showed a change of policy. Many would have preferred the team chase Harry Kane, and yes, he would have made a more immediate impact, but Hojlund is 10 years younger.
He still needs help, an experienced striker around him would lighten the load, ensuring Hojlund is better protected to enjoy some longevity. But it does seem like United have got it right by bringing him in.
Hojlund’s impact
Hojlund’s five goals in the Champions League was a stark reminder of his goalscoring potential and it was becoming a point of concern that he couldn’t transfer this from Europe to England.
However, the breakthrough moment against Aston Villa at Old Trafford late on has proven to be the catalyst and the Dane has now netted in four consecutive league games for the Red Devils.
As well as his goal return improving, he has linked up well with his teammates and has two assists to his name in the league. Throughout this season, Hojlund has looked more and more comfortable leading the line and is beginning to look like the centre-forward that the fanbase has been crying out for.
With how poor United have been at chance creation this campaign, Hojlund’s numbers are admirable and if he continues in this vein of form, the Red Devils may have finally solved their decade-long problem.
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