Manchester United blasted for “unfair” treatment of Rasmus Højlund by Premier League legend

Manchester United have been blasted by a Premier League legend for their “unfair” treatment of Rasmus Højlund ahead of Rúben Amorim’s arrival.

Rasmus Højlund‘s time at Manchester United so far has brought mixed levels of success as the 21-year-old gets to grips with becoming a proven goalscorer at Old Trafford.

The Danish international was signed for a fee of around £73 million from Atalanta in 2023, with many questioning why Erik ten Hag‘s side had opted to sign him over an experienced forward such as Harry Kane.

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However, despite a few injuries and a 14-game goalscoring drought in the Premier League, Højlund prevailed, ending as the club’s top scorer for the 2023/24 season with 16 to his name.

In pre-season, Højlund played just 30 minutes against Aresnal before he was ruled out with a hamstring issue, and only made his first start of the campaign at the beginning of October, when he scored against Atalanta.

Højlund’s “unfair” treatment

Speaking recently, former Premier LEague striker and legendary goalscorer Alan Shearer has blasted the club for their “unfair” treatment of Højlund, explaining that although new head coach Rúben Amorim will want to sign a striker, Højlund is a player he likes.

“There’s no doubt that Amorim will want to bring a centre-forward in because that’s one of the positions they need to strengthen. But I do like Hojlund and I think it’s been really unfair what’s happened to him during his brief time at Old Trafford,” he told The Athletic.

“The fee was huge, the pressure was huge, and he wasn’t ready to lead the line on a regular basis. He would have been far better suited to be in and out, to learn and develop, rather than go in and be the No 1 for a club like Manchester United straight away.

“Had it been done differently, it would have been better for him and for his time. But given the circumstances he faced when he arrived, he’s had to play far more than he really should have done. But he’s a really promising player and I like a lot of what I see.”

Højlund under Amorim

Many fans are hoping Rúben Amorim can turn Rasmus Højlund into the type of striker Viktor Gyökeres has become at Sporting CP – a bullish, quick, and lethal striker who runs the channels and supports the ball.

Højlund has the mould to become this player; there is no doubt about that. He is fast and strong and demands the ball. He can hold the ball up with his feet, is strong in the air, and is not afraid to press.

There is no doubt that Højlund has a lot of potential, but for Amorim to succeed, he must maximise the strengths of his current assets in his squad.

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