Scholes was left ‘disappointed’ with struggling Red’s showing vs PAOK, he only had 16 touches

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·8. November 2024

Scholes was left ‘disappointed’ with struggling Red’s showing vs PAOK, he only had 16 touches

Despite finishing 2023/2024 as Manchester United’s highest goalscorer, Rasmus Hojlund has failed to hit the ground running in 24/25.

The Dane was made to wait before he was granted his first minutes of the season due to a hamstring injury, with his maiden outing coming in a 0-0 stalemate at Selhurst Park in late September. He has since featured in every match, including six times as a starter.

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His first goal was fired in against FC Porto in last month’s Europa League clash, and a fortnight later, he added to his tally when sealing a 2-1 Premier League win over Brentford.

As such, it’s now somewhat concerning to the United faithful that their £72 million No.9 is still struggling in his sophomore campaign. He may be only 21 years old, but it’s not as if he lacked first-team experience when making the move from Atalanta in 2023.

Scholes still unconvinced by Hojlund

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

To ease the goalscoring burden on Hojlund, United sanctioned Joshua Zirkzee’s arrival in the summer – but even he is yet to make his mark on the club despite opening his account on his debut in August.

Against PAOK on Thursday, Hojlund registered just 16 touches throughout his 89 minutes on the turf. He also had only one shot on target and one effort blocked while losing possession seven times.

Paul Scholes was critical of the forward following the full-time whistle – and it’s not the first time he’s questioned Hojlund’s suitability to lead the line.

“There was a little spell after Manchester United scored that PAOK looked a little dangerous, but it was well controlled for the most part,” Scholes told the TNT Sports panel. “I was a little disappointed in Rasmus Hojlund. I think he will improve and get better once he is coached by a coach who believes in him. I’m not saying Ruud [van Nistelrooy] doesn’t believe in him.

“I think that’s key for Rasmus (developing a relationship with Bruno Fernandes). You need partnerships in the team. You need to get close to him.

“I think he had a little bit of a difficult night. It wasn’t his best night, but as you say, they had that bit where Bruno turns [and] he’s in the space, and Rasmus makes that run. He can do that, but it didn’t happen enough tonight for him.”