Jaap Stam provides brutal assessment on Man United star’s struggles

Jaap Stam has praised Rasmus Hojlund’s start at Manchester United but brutely suggested that those around the striker are lacking confidence and even quality.

The former United defender has been impressed by Hojlund despite his struggles in the Premier League so far.

Erik ten Hag’s side have struggled to create chances on a consistent basis for the 20-year-old, who is yet to score a goal in the league.

However, his five Champions League goals suggest that he can finish when provided with opportunities.

“He has made a really good impression on me,” Stam told Soccernews in collaboration with Tipsbladet. “I think he is a really good player. He is very talented. He has an excellent left leg, a really good physique and lots of speed. And he has shown that in his first matches for United.”

Marcus Rashford has been one of the only players to find the striker on several occasions. Despite his creative excellence, Bruno Fernandes has surprisingly struggled to create chances for Hojlund.

Whilst Stam recognises that the form of the team is not helping, he has also suggested that the issue could also simply be the quality levels of some of the players in the team.

“The thing about him, when he comes to such a big club as a very young man, is that it is not easy for him to show his qualities,” he added.

“Because he also needs the players around him. He needs them to put him on stage and give him opportunities to score. He plays in a team that lacks confidence. He has players around him who don’t have the confidence and maybe not even the qualities to play at this level.

“So it’s not going to be easy for him, but he’s just going to have to do what he can. He must show his qualities and work hard. Hopefully, he scores some goals and then he gets even more confidence.”

Hojlund suffered a hamstring injury before the international break but is expected to be available when United return to action against Everton.