Alan Shearer warns that relentless expectations at Manchester United have left Rasmus Hojlund struggling with confidence and form as a young striker.
Alan Shearer has labelled Rasmus Hojlund a “damaged player” after another disappointing outing for Manchester United. The Premier League’s all‑time record goalscorer insists the 21‑year‑old Dane is bearing weight he cannot yet shoulder. Shearer argues that too much pressure has been heaped on a young player whose development remains incomplete. He spoke out after a flat performance on Sunday that left United searching for answers at Old Trafford. fotnet24.net reports that the former striker believes repeated false starts and missed chances have shattered Hojlund’s self‑belief.
United suffered a home defeat to Wolves as their front line once again failed to find the net. Hojlund led the attack but struggled to convert his promising movement into clear‑cut opportunities. He flashed a header wide and saw a low drive saved, yet he still could not end his drought. The lack of clinical finishing deepened concerns over his form. It marked another game where United’s strikeforce came up empty without creative support.
By April 2025, Hojlund has scored eight goals in the Premier League. He tallied 16 during his final season at Atalanta. Manchester United invested £72 million to bring the 21‑year‑old to Old Trafford, hoping he would adapt quickly to life in England. Yet the costs have so far outweighed returns, with his goal ratio falling short of expectations. Few 21‑year‑olds face such financial pressure, and the weight of investment shows on his performances.
Shearer highlighted Hojlund’s timing as a core issue. “He’s perhaps a second too early or a second too late, and his timing is all wrong,” the pundit said. He pointed to a pattern of missed connections in the penalty area. Confidence governs every striker’s sharpness, and Shearer believes the Dane’s belief has buckled under expectation. “There’s no doubt he’s suffering from a crisis in confidence,” he added. The comment painted a stark picture of a young player in need of reassurance.
United currently rely on Hojlund as their lone senior striker after Joshua Zirkzee suffered a season‑ending injury. The Dutch forward tore ankle ligaments in February and will miss the remainder of the campaign. That leaves Hojlund alone to shoulder United’s attacking burden. Without a reliable strike partner, the team has lacked the interplay necessary to unlock tight defences. Every misplaced pass and wasted chance now accelerates scrutiny of the Danish youngster.
Manager Ruben Amorim insists that his side must rally around Hojlund. The coach says it falls on teammates to supply better service in the final third and relieve individual pressure. Amorim maintained his backing for the Dane, emphasising that experience grows with minutes on the pitch. He believes that consistent playing time will help Hojlund rediscover his form before the season’s closing weeks. United’s final seven fixtures present a chance to recalibrate.
The broader transfer record at Old Trafford has shown mixed results this season. High‑profile signings like Hojlund face immediate judgment, and the margin for error remains slim. Fans and analysts have questioned whether the club’s recruitment strategy places too much emphasis on potential. They argue proven Premier League pedigree now matters as much as upside. With the summer window approaching, United must decide if patience or an alternative approach offers the best path forward. Every recruiting gamble carries risk.
As Manchester United plot their next moves, Hojlund’s development will sit near the top of the agenda. If the 21‑year‑old can weather this confidence storm, he still offers the profile of an elite forward. His rediscovered scoring touch will determine whether he belongs at the top level. Alternatively, the club may need to adjust support systems or consider fresh additions to balance his workload. For now, the spotlight remains trained on a player navigating the toughest tests of his young career.
