Andy Cole tells Rasmus Hojlund to stop ‘fighting’, advises him on how to improve – report | OneFootball

Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund has failed to impress since joining Manchester United from Serie A club Atalanta in 2023, scoring 23 goals in 78 games.

His unconvincing performances forced United to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna last summer. However, he has also struggled to make an impact.

Hojlund has bagged just two league goals this season. He has not scored since the 3-2 home loss to Nottingham Forest in December.

Manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly unconvinced with his performances, and United could involve him in a swap deal to sign Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.

Former United striker Andy Cole has shared his opinion about Hojlund’s struggles and how he can improve.

He told Rio Ferdinand Presents: “If I were to give him any advice, just do what you do naturally.

“I have watched him so many times, and he gets a little bit obsessed with fighting with the centre-half. The game is not played like that anymore, you do not need to.

“When the ball comes into you, just relax – you can play two or three touches and set yourself up to move again.

“The intensity of fighting with centre-halves takes out so much energy, you get tired after that.

“He works so hard, but sometimes I look at him and think you should not be working in these areas.

“Run into the box as fast as you can. You might get a lucky one and start building your confidence from there.”

Hojlund is running out of time at United

Hojlund’s struggles in front of goal have paved the way for youngster Chido Obi’s promotion to the first team squad.

Obi replaced Hojlund in the FA Cup fifth-round defeat to Fulham on Sunday. The 17-year-old did much better than his senior counterpart, earning praise from Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer.

The teenager may jump ahead of Hojlund in the pecking order if the former Atalanta forward continues to struggle.

Besides the competition from Obi, United will try to sign a new striker in the summer, which would not bode well for Hojlund’s future at Old Trafford.

Stats from sofascore.com.

Article written by Henry Thornton .