Rasmus Hojlund admits he has felt "down and frustrated" during a telling assessment of Manchester United's horror season.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Man Utd having poor seasonHojlund opens up on his frustrationsOpens up on team's strugglesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
United striker Hojlund did not shy away from his and his team's poor season, but feels he may be turning the corner. While reaching the Europa League final is a big achievement, the Dane says their domestic campaign has not been good enough.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT HOJLUND SAID
He said, via The Mirror: "We’re very happy about being in the final, but it can’t take away the focus from the entire season. Domestically it has not been good enough – but then again we play to win trophies and we are in a good position to win a European one. I think we’ve been improving in the last few weeks, even though the results in the Premier League have not been overly good, just in Europe. But in the Premier League we are gradually getting there – although we know we need to get better. Obviously there have been hard times for me. When you go without a goal for a lot of games – I wouldn’t say I lost self-belief, but you’re going to be a bit more down and a bit more frustrated. It’s been about going back to basics and focusing on what I can do to try and improve myself. I will check myself, chat with my team-mates, get in better positions…these sorts of things. It is the hard times that make you better and you learn a lot from them. I have always said I know what this football club is all about and it’s a lot of pressure, but that is why I’m here. I want to show myself on the biggest stage. We are focusing on the opportunity we have here. That can give us something from this year to take into the next season – because winning a trophy is always important for a club this size."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Hojlund cost United a whopping £72 million ($96m) in the summer of 2023 but he has not nearly lived up to that hefty price tag. A total of 11 goals this season does not hide from what has been a very underwhelming season for the striker. Speculation has mounted that he may be sold and if they don't win the Europa League, the Red Devils may decide to cash in on him.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT ?
Hojlund will hope to add to his goal tally when United host fellow strugglers West Ham on Sunday in a battle between 15th and 17th in the Premier League respectively.