Michael Owen's Concerns for Hojlund

Michael Owen has expressed concern for Rasmus Hojlund, who finds himself in what he calls one of the most challenging positions in the Premier League, given Manchester United's current instability.

Recent Poor Results for Manchester United

Following their recent 2-0 loss to Wolves on Boxing Day, United suffered a string of poor results, marking three defeats in just seven days. The match saw Bruno Fernandes dismissed in the second half for a reckless challenge on Nelson Semedo, adding to the team's woes. To compound matters, goalkeeper Andre Onana allowed a corner to drift in, resulting in a goal that put Wolves firmly in control. Hwang Hee-chan’s simple finish sealed the win for Wolves, leaving United's new manager, Amorim, with much to ponder regarding the discipline and performance of his squad.

Hojlund's Struggles as the Main Striker

Despite four shots on target, Manchester United’s attacking efforts were woefully inadequate, managing only a disappointing 0.35 xG (expected goals). Hojlund was selected as the primary striker, replacing Joshua Zirkzee, who had previously struggled against Bournemouth. However, this switch did little to alter United's fortunes.

Owen's Analysis on Hojlund's Performance

Owen shared his thoughts on Premier League Productions, emphasizing Hojlund's challenging situation: "I feel so sorry for the lad. In the first half, he received only six passes, four from defenders—essentially long, hopeful balls—and just two from playmakers. How can a striker flourish under such conditions?”

He added, “I can’t even judge Hojlund's talent right now, that’s a testament to how dire the circumstances are. Being the centre-forward for Manchester United once symbolized a dream for players; now it’s almost a cursed role. The pressure to deliver amidst this dysfunction is immense.”

Manchester United's Current Standing

Currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, United is closer to the relegation zone than the coveted top four. Owen highlighted United's indecisive defensive strategy during the Wolves match, suggesting, “They don't commit forward enough and often find themselves overly defensive, with three players marking one opponent—something you'll never see with teams like Liverpool, who engage more dynamically and attack-mindedly.”

Looking Ahead for Manchester United

While Amorim aims to instill a more aggressive and cohesive strategy, Owen noted that even a solid defensive record wouldn't mask the team's lack of overall functionality. As Manchester United grapples with their identity and strategy, fans are left hopeful for a turnaround in performance and results in the coming weeks.