Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher expressed sympathy for Man United’s young forward Rasmus Hojlund, who has faced a lot of criticism. Hojlund was signed by Man United for a large fee (£64 million plus £8 million in bonuses) from Atalanta in the summer transfer window of 2023. The 21-year-old Danish striker has scored 14 goals and provided 2 assists in 39 matches for the Red Devils this season. However, he has often faced criticism from some fans and analysts for not scoring more goals.

Showing empathy for the young Danish forward, Carragher shared with Sport Bible: “I feel sorry for Hojlund. He’s still young, and the leap he made may have been a bit too much for him initially.”

Regarding the suggestion that Hojlund should have joined another club before coming to Old Trafford, the former Liverpool defender added: “Hojlund should have joined a different team for two years before coming to Man United, I think that’s the case. I feel sorry for him because MU is no longer a strong team. They play poorly and are only fighting for a spot in European competitions. Man United’s weak squad has no chance of competing for the title, and this prevents Hojlund from fully showcasing his abilities.” The criticism of Rasmus Hojlund has increased due to the lack of stability in Man United’s current season. The Red Devils are currently eighth in the Premier League standings with 54 points from 35 matches. Under coach Erik ten Hag’s leadership, they have lost 18 matches in all competitions, displaying a lackluster performance compared to their reputation.

In support of Hojlund, who is taking time to consistently score in a new league, coach Erik ten Hag expressed his support. He told Sport Bible: “With Hojlund, we have the greatest potential in the striker position compared to last summer. Man United is very pleased with him. But it’s clear that Hojlund also needs time to adapt. Anyway, we’re happy to see him demonstrate his goal-scoring abilities.”

Speaking about Hojlund’s form after injuries, coach Erik ten Hag expressed: “He had a very good phase with scoring many goals, but before and after that, Hojlund had some physical issues. I think this is normal for a young developing player. I truly believe in Hojlund’s development process, and if everything goes according to plan, he won’t be far from having world-class skills.”

Regarding the rumors that the Man United owners might fire the coach after this season, Ten Hag responded to the speculation: “I find some comments about this matter not well-intentioned. I think they don’t have any knowledge of football or any knowledge of managing a team. Those who understand the situation will recognize the problem.”

Ten Hag is also confident that the club’s decision-makers will be patient with his future, brushing aside the speculation about Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS potentially firing him, even if Man United wins the FA Cup, as happened with fellow countryman Louis van Gaal in 2016.

Ten Hag added: “If they see the issues we have faced, the injury crisis, but the players have fought with great team spirit, they will never be disappointed.” Man United will face second-placed Arsenal in their next match on the night of May 12 at Old Trafford.