Rasmus Hojlund, the young Manchester United forward, has already been thrown under the bus more than once since coming to the club. At a mere 20 years of age, he’s only found the net three times in the Premier League. His last outing against Lyon was brutal. This resulted in an unprecedented level of scrutiny over his contributions on the pitch.
In an interview appearance on Sky Sports, Hojlund was seated alongside fellow Denmark international Christian Eriksen. He accepted the enormous pressure that accompanies a career at a big club such as relegation-battling Manchester United. He accepted that the bar is set extremely high, including for a joint first overall pick that hasn’t turned 20 yet. Even though he’s had his difficulties, Hojlund has the mental fortitude to turn things around and play better football.
Since his manager, Erik ten Hag, joined the club he’s received full backing which Hojlund has felt. He is confident that the coaching staff understands what all young players go through and are dedicated to building them up. “I think if you ask the manager, he wants it to be done by tomorrow,” Hojlund stated, reflecting his eagerness to meet expectations swiftly.
The young striker isn’t blind to the media finger wagging aimed at him and his School of Rock band mates. He noted that “you get criticised if you’re not performing to the level,” acknowledging that such feedback is fair given the club’s ambitions. He noted that this absence of objectives is a “team issue” and not just his fault.
When asked, Hojlund characterized his new environment as a growth-oriented place. “It’s about progression and keeping focus on what you can do, and how you can get to that level,” he explained. He believes in fostering an atmosphere where players can learn from each other, especially with many young talents emerging within the squad.
In discussing the pressure of playing at Manchester United, Hojlund remarked, “It’s very hard for a lot of the young guys where it’s the first time going through this kind of pressure.” He knows that by pushing through these challenges they’ll come out on the other side not only fulfilled, but successful too.
Eriksen has been crucial in allowing Hojland to deal with these challenges. “Christian has been great,” Hojlund said. “He’s done it in a calm way. He’s not been like a father with me and said what to do and sort of things. He’s just sort of helped me settle.” This encouraging rapport between the two teammates and friends highlights their similar journeys and dedication to growth.
Whether by instinct, or education, Hojlund’s approach is one that shows a mature understanding of the game. He emphasized the importance of not letting criticism affect him emotionally: “You can’t get into a hole emotionally,” he stated. Rather, he promotes persevering through challenge and figuring out how to move ahead on your own path.
As Manchester United continues its season, Hojlund remains firmly focused on his development. He understands that there’s plenty of room for improvement. He’s convinced that if he works hard and gets the right kind of support, he can meet the challenge. The growth-promoting environment created by the team’s culture. Players rally around one another, lifting up the performance of the team as a whole.
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