Former Man United star Rio Ferdinand has claimed forward Rasmus Hojlund looks 'fearful' on the pitch amid his ongoing drought in front of goal.
Ferdinand highlighted his recent performances following Man United's FA Cup exit against Fulham on Sunday.
The Red Devils were beaten on penalties at Old Trafford following a 1-1 draw in another setback to their season.
Man United boss Ruben Amorim opted to take off Hojlund in the 68th minute of the match, with 17-year-old Chido Obi coming on for the Danish forward.
Hojlund, who was signed for £72million by Man United in the summer of 2023, has now gone 18 matches without a goal.
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Ferdinand claimed the 22-year-old now looks fearful on the pitch.
'That result killed me, I was on the floor,' Ferdinand said.
'This United side can't create chances, they can't score goals, only five sides in the Premier League have scored fewer goals, it is a joke.
'For me, because Hojlund has been so off it and so bad recently, when you saw that kid [Obi] come on, everyone got excited with the little things.
'It was refreshing to see from a kid that young. Hojlund is fearful now on the pitch.
'Chido is still rough around the edges, but what I have no doubt about is that he will get chances.
'I watched him against my two boys and the way he played against Fulham was exact the same. The ball falls and he's there.'
Hojlund has struck just twice in the Premier League this season, but has had better fortunes in Europe this campaign, netting five times in eight matches.
With Obi ineligible, Hojlund looks likely to continue in attack for Man United on Thursday night in the Europe League last-16 against Real Sociedad.
Former Man United striker Andy Cole, who 187 Premier League goals in his career, claimed Hojlund needs to focus on his own game to regain his confidence rather than look to battle against defenders.
'If I was to try and give him any kind of advice, it would be to do what you do naturally,' Cole said.
'I've watched him so many times and, for me, he gets a little bit obsessed with fighting the centre-half.
'Because the game isn't played like that anymore, you don't need to. When the ball comes into you, just relax and play on two-touch, at most three-touch.
The intensity of fighting with the centre-half, it takes up so much energy.'
Beubdimnos
0
you can get it done today
sozkmorsty
0
united as a structure is the worst. cr7 leaves the club in 2009 he came back and declares that united is still the same without any progress...aged structure without management. eveeything is dirty stadium look like devastated city. when it rains it is catastrophic thing for the fans...stop blaming players.if you dont have good structure united still remain worst team in epl.be careful if glazer's family remain there united will lose even his aura in the world...you cant build a new good and futuristic club but you want results...after so many years it is time to demolish and rebuild that club...americans dont know how to manage football club. now you can see where they bring united...bankrut is before united and you continue to accuse players who evolve in a very bad atmosphere...very soon many good players will turn back the proposition of united if you dont manifest and ask Glazer's brothers to leave...enough is enough...if this family remain there you will cry.mourinho ragnick and cr7 have all say that...
Foaabiklrz
0
but a mature midfielder who will help Fernandes and new wingers and sell Rushford, Garnacho and even Antony
hezbdopty
0
And Zirksee
ritcikosz
0
Even if you bring Haaland to Manchester United he can't score goals. Reason the midfield isn't providing good balls to strikers. a striker needs help from the rest of the team but at Man United everyone is a striker when they get close to the eighteen area
correct
Katendah
3
Even if you bring Haaland to Manchester United he can't score goals. Reason the midfield isn't providing good balls to strikers. a striker needs help from the rest of the team but at Man United everyone is a striker when they get close to the eighteen area
pabbdosty
0
Man U need two hit strikers, two hit midfielders, I believe our players need high motivation and that requires personality