Jamie Carragher, a renowned Sky Sport pundit, has expressed sympathy for Danish international Rasmus Hojlund. He believes that the young striker should have delayed his move to Manchester United.
Hojlund joined Manchester United last summer from Atalanta in a deal worth £72m. However, his first season at Old Trafford has been less than impressive. The 21-year-old managed only eight goals in 27 Premier League games - a disappointing return for the club's main striker.
Carragher suspects that the transition from Serie A to the Premier League may have been too overwhelming for Hojlund given his age and relative inexperience.
Hojlund needs more time and experience
Despite this underwhelming start, there is optimism about what lies ahead for Hojlund due to his youth and potential. Yet, Carragher argues that he would have benefited more by moving elsewhere before joining Manchester United.
Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher, said:
‘I feel a bit sorry for Hojlund, he’s a young lad, the jump he has made is probably a bit too much for him to start with,’ the former Liverpool and England defender said on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.
‘He should have gone somewhere else for two years then to United maybe. I just feel sorry for him.’
The pundit felt particularly sorry for Hojlund during Manchester United’s humiliating 4-0 defeat against Crystal Palace on Monday night.
A glimpse of potential amidst struggles
Despite these struggles, there were moments when Rasmus Hojlund showed glimpses of his potential. He scored in six consecutive games from January 14th to February 18th but has since netted just once in eleven matches. This inconsistency further highlights Carragher’s point about the need for more time and experience before making such a significant move.
Hojlund will have four more opportunities this season to improve upon his tally as United face Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton in the league before meeting local rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
While Rasmus Hojlund's early move to one of England's biggest clubs hasn't gone as planned, there is still hope for the young striker. With more experience and time, he could yet prove his worth to Manchester United and its fans.
