Rasmus Højlund myth dispelled during Fulham game after mind-blowing Chido Obi statistic emerges

Rasmus Højlund was hooked off after another poor performance during Manchester United’s FA Cup defeat against Fulham on Sunday evening.

Manchester United began the FA Cup clash with intent but struggled to create clear-cut chances in the final third, hindered by a lack of pace in attack.

As the first half neared its end, Ruben Amorim’s side conceded a frustrating goal—once again from a corner—leaving them with a tough challenge after the break.

The response was slow, and the Old Trafford crowd grew increasingly frustrated with the team’s lack of intensity.

However, as he has done so often this season, Bruno Fernandes delivered when it mattered. He timed his run perfectly to meet Diogo Dalot’s low cross, slotting home the crucial equaliser.

With neither side able to find a winner in extra time, the match went to penalties. Fulham ultimately prevailed, as Victor Lindelöf and Joshua Zirkzee had their spot-kicks saved.

Højlund myth dispelled after mind-blowing Obi statistic emerges

It was yet another disappointing display from Rasmus Højlund, who has extended his goalless run to 18 games.

Barring some bright moments in the opening few minutes of the game, the Danish striker was almost anonymous until he was replaced by Chido Obi mid-way through the second half.

One of the main defences for Højlund’s poor goalscoring run has been to comment on the way that United fail to create chances. It is also something Amorim has mentioned beforehand when asked about the 22-year-old’s form.

However, that myth was essentially dispelled by Obi in around 50 minutes of game-time, where the young forward was able to meet several big chances through his strength and movement in the box.

StatmanDave noted that Obi had three ‘Big Chances’ in his cameo on Sunday night, and while he wasn’t able to score any of them, he displayed very promising attributes to get himself in the position for the chances.

In mind-blowing contrast, that number of Big Chances is the same Højlund has had in 22 Premier League appearances this term.

Højlund needs time out of United limelight

Højlund is certainly not being helped as a striker, and realistically he shouldn’t be in the position where the goalscoring burden falls on his shoulders at Old Trafford.

But the idea that his issue comes simply down to a lack of service is no longer a viable excuse after we saw a 17-year-old make better runs in the box than the £72 million man.

Read More: Ruben Amorim delivers clear Chido Obi assessment after Man Utd vs Fulham defeat

Obi is quite clearly still raw and probably not ready for the step up to senior football yet, but he seems to have some of the fundamentals you want from a striker who is going to score goals.

He has certainly made a compelling case to start upcoming games over Højlund, who simply looks like he needs some time on the bench and out of the limelight.

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