Rasmus Hojlund, the Manchester United striker, is currently enduring a frustrating 19-game goal drought that has raised questions about his form.
As a player with immense potential, the weight of his £72 million price tag seems to be playing a heavy role in his lack of confidence and hesitancy on the pitch.
He looks like a shadow of the player that was once full of promise, and the expectations of playing at a club like Manchester United are clearly taking their toll.
The Strain of Expectation
It’s a situation that I can relate to, having experienced similar struggles in my career.
At various points, I’ve found myself in that exact position, where the hesitation in every action becomes noticeable.
It’s like a mental block that affects your game on every level, whether it’s the way you run, pass, or even shoot.
Hojlund’s struggles aren’t about a lack of ability – it’s about something deeper, an internal battle that many players face when things aren’t going their way.
After failing to score against Real Sociedad, it’s clear that the goal drought is far from over.
What’s worse is that he’s not even getting the service he needs to score.
In the case of Diogo Dalot, who failed to deliver a proper cross, the chances are few and far between. It’s a tough position to be in, and I really feel for him.
The pressure of performing at a big club like Manchester United, especially when you’ve been brought in for such a hefty price tag, can be overwhelming.
Comparing Hojlund’s Hesitation to a Young Player’s Freedom
In contrast to Hojlund’s struggles, the young 17-year-old Chido Obi’s natural approach on the pitch against Fulham showed how different things can be when you’re playing without fear.
Obi was playing with the kind of freedom that comes from not overthinking, something that Hojlund, at the moment, is lacking.
Hojlund’s hesitation is evident – he’s not playing with the same confidence he showed when he first arrived at the club.
I remember my early days as a young, confident player. I was raw, but I played without any hesitation.
It was all about instinct and fearlessness.
However, when my form dipped later in my career, especially at Chelsea, I had to work hard to get back on track.
For me, it was all about practice – endless shooting drills, perfecting techniques, and building confidence again.
The Pressure of a Big Move
For Hojlund, the pressure of his £72 million move to Manchester United is real.
At Chelsea, I went through a similar situation when I arrived with big expectations and a hefty price tag.
It’s an enormous burden to carry, especially when you’re expected to live up to the legacy of some of the club’s greatest players.
It’s not an easy thing to navigate, and for Hojlund, it’s clear that the weight of that expectation is starting to show.
The fact that Hojlund wasn’t a prolific scorer at Atalanta should have been a sign that he was coming to Manchester United not as a finished product but as a development player.
However, the club’s expectations remain the same – they need a striker who can score consistently, especially in the Premier League.
What Hojlund Needs to Do Next
Right now, it’s all about getting Hojlund’s confidence and instincts back.
He looked brighter in the recent match against Real Sociedad, even though he didn’t get the service he needed to test the goalkeeper.
It’s a long road back, and it’s not going to happen overnight, but he needs to stay focused and get back to doing what he does best.
One key piece of advice for him would be to avoid the toxic nature of social media.
In times of struggle, the last thing you need is online criticism from all directions. As players, we often say we’re fine, even when we’re not.
I’ve been there, pretending to be confident while feeling anything but.
Hojlund may be doing the same, but it’s crucial that he works through it in a way that builds his confidence from within rather than relying on outside opinions.
Moving Forward with Patience and Perseverance
For Hojlund, it’s all about regaining that instinctive, free-flowing game that made him such a sought-after talent in the first place.
Yes, he’s in a tough spot, but with patience and hard work, he can overcome these challenges.
Manchester United is a big club with a rich history, but that only makes the task ahead more difficult.
However, if Hojlund keeps pushing, staying focused on the basics, and believing in his own abilities, he can still turn this around. It’s a matter of time, effort, and confidence.