Rasmus Hojlund has been criticised for his lacklustre performance in Manchester United‘s Europa League victory over PAOK.
Despite the Red Devils securing their first European win in 380 days, thanks to a second-half double from Amad, it was far from a convincing triumph over the Greek champions. Amad broke the deadlock with a looping header from Bruno Fernandes‘ cross at the back post five minutes into the second half.
The United winger then doubled his tally by regaining possession and curling a shot into the bottom corner via a slight deflection. While Amad shone, United were otherwise uninspiring. Hojlund only touched the ball 10 times in a dull first half and struggled to make an impact leading the line between Amad and Alejandro Garnacho and ahead of Fernandes.
Ex-United midfielder Paul Scholes commended Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte for their solid partnership which allowed Fernandes more freedom. However, he was critical of Hojlund’s performance, feeling he did little to unsettle the PAOK defence, ahead of new manager Ruben Amorim‘s imminent arrival next week, reports the Mirror.
“There was a little spell after Manchester United scored that PAOK looked a little dangerous but it was well controlled for the most part,” he said on TNT Sports. “I was a little disappointed in Rasmus Hojlund. I think he will improve and get better once he is coached by a coach that believes in him. I’m not saying Ruud [van Nistelrooy] doesn’t believe in him.”
Scholes shared his insights alongside former United team-mate and the club’s current caretaker boss, discussing the significance of Fernandes’ role in the No. 10 spot and the necessity for young talent Hojlund to forge a bond with the skipper. Scholes said: “I think that’s key for Rasmus 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, he’s in the space and Rasmus makes that run. He can do that but it didn’t happen enough tonight for him.”
Adding to the analysis, Van Nistelrooy commented: “It didn’t happen enough. Second half, we were better in positions but also some crosses in the box where he makes runs didn’t come at the time.”
With only two goals in 11 games after an early season hamstring setback, Hojlund was subbed out for Joshua Zirkzee towards the end of Thursday’s clash, with Zirkzee himself struggling to find the net since his strike against Fulham on day one.
Reacting to the team’s success on Instagram, Hojlund was modest, expressing gratitude for the fan support: “No witty caption tonight. Just wanna thank you guys for hearing those chants when we’re on pitch. Never getting used to it and absolutely loving it. Congrats @amaddiallo19 u deserved it!”