Daniel Sturridge has heaped praise on a certain Manchester United player for a moment of brilliance against Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon that won them a point in the end at the Vitality Stadium.
Sturridge was speaking on Sky Sports after Manchester United scored late on against Bournemouth, and he had a lot of positive things to say about a certain United player, who made the difference in the end for his team.
It was a difficult game for the away side, but everything shifted when Evanilson was sent off for a late tackle on Noussair Mazraoui. After that, Ruben Amorim’s side took over, eventually making their pressure tell late on with a clever finish.
The goalscorer was the man Sturridge was impressed with, particularly due to his movement in the box to get on the end of the pass, which was delivered by Bruno Fernandes.
Rasmus Hojlund’s emotion was evident after he scored only his second goal in 2025 in the Premier League, and Sturridge was impressed with how he worked the space to get it.
Sturridge praises ‘very good’ Hojlund moment
Rasmus Hojlund has finally hit the back of the net again for United, scoring his first goal since Leicester City on March 16th. The forward got on the end of Bruno Fernandes’s pass to slip the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Cherries net.
Daniel Sturridge was impressed with Hojlund’s movement for the goal and believes there is indeed a player inside the Danish striker despite his recent form.
“You can see he’s got the capability. His movement is very good in the box. He’s positioned himself perfectly, stays just onside and gets the right connection on the ball.”
Before the game, Sturridge had advice for Hojlund while also declaring he believes there is a talented player in the young Dane.
“There’s something in there; he is not a bad player.”
“He has talent and maybe the setup he is in now isn’t allowing him to flourish.”
The goal was Hojlund’s fourth in the Premier League this season, which adds to his five goals in the Europa League, making it nine in total. That is seven fewer than his 16-goal tally last season.
Hojlund’s goal a relief
Sturridge is correct about Rasmus Hojlund. He is a good striker, but confidence and a poor setup this season have meant he has looked anything but in a red shirt. The goal will be a major boost going into Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, as United will need as many players willing to score as possible.
Hojlund showed last season when the team are performing, he can score. The Dane is the youngest player to score in six Premier League games in a row, beating a record previously held by Joe Willock. He is also the youngest United player to ever score ten European goals, beating a record held by Wayne Rooney.
There is a player in there; he just needs to be nurtured correctly and played in the right environment. Whether that environment will be United next season or a trip back to Italy remains to be seen, but there is a player in the Dane without a shadow of a doubt.
Today’s boost could be key on Thursday. United will be hoping this relief is a catalyst for change in the young striker.
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