Peter Schmeichel says Manchester United must do more for “fantastic” talent

Manchester United icon Peter Schmeichel has suggested that more could be done to get the best out of Rasmus Hojlund.

Arriving in the summer of 2023, Hojlund’s debut season at United saw him net sixteen goals in all competitions, finishing the campaign as the team’s top scorer.

However, upon picking up an injury in pre-season, Hojlund has so far been unable to lace up his boots for the Red Devils so far this season.

Discussing his fellow countryman in a recent interview, Schmeichel stated that Hojlund’s growth will be aided by the return of new assistant manager and United’s fifth top scorer in Premier League history Ruud van Nistelrooy.

“He [Hojlund] is a fantastic talent. The possibilities that lie within him are at the highest level,” Schmeichel told Danish outlet Tipsbladet. “Now Ruud van Nistelrooy came in, and I spoke to him briefly. He says there is so much potential in this. If he can help him…”

At 21 years old, and with the support of Van Nistelrooy, it’s clear Schmeichel expects the young striker to continue to improve. Yet, when continuing in his discussion with Tipsbladet, the ex-United shot-stopper said his former team needs to do more to help their striker.

“It’s not just Rasmus [who needs to improve]. The team is not playing him right, so there are some things that need to be corrected.” Schmeichel added.

“He is a very impressive young person. He is far older than the 21-year-old he is. He has a great perspective. He is very sensible and cheeky – all the things you want in a young striker.

“He has shown that if he is being pressured, he can do it himself. If he can get the team to back him up, I can’t see that he won’t just score a lot of goals.”

Hojlund remains injured as of the time of writing, leaving fans of Manchester United still in wait for his first appearance of this season.

Offering an update following United’s last game, Erik ten Hag confirmed that Hojlund is back on the training pitch, but that it would “take a while” before he was match-fit.

Additionally, a MailSport report revealed that Hojlund has been working “around the clock” on his recovery.

In the meantime, United have turned to both Bruno Fernandes and Joshua Zirkzee to lead their attack, something that has produced just two goals from three league games.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Thursday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.