The echoes of frustration at Anfield were palpable as Rasmus Hojlund squandered Manchester United’s best chance against Liverpool. While Virgil van Dijk marshaled a defensive masterclass, the Danish striker’s Premier League goal drought stretched to 13 games—a statistic that weighs heavily on his £72m price tag. On Mcw, we analyze why this isn’t just a finishing issue but a systemic failure at Old Trafford.
The Anfield Paradox: Chances Created vs. Clinical Edge
Liverpool’s 34 shots without scoring masked a critical detail: Hojlund’s 67th-minute double chance had a higher xG (expected goals) than any other opportunity in the match. Yet, his tally of four first-half touches—rising to 17 by full-time—reveals a striker starved of service. Compare this to Erling Haaland, the league’s least-involved forward who still tops the scoring charts. The difference? Haaland’s rare touches come inside the box; Hojlund’s occur 30 yards from goal.
Tactical Misfit: A Target Man Asked to Play Like Haaland
Erik ten Hag envisioned Hojlund as a “single-minded goal machine,” but the reality is starkly different. The 20-year-old averages 24.4 attacking runs per 90 minutes (more than Haaland), yet United’s wingers—Alejandro Garnacho and Antony—rank among the league’s worst for shot quality. Antony has passed to Hojlund just five times in seven hours of shared Premier League action.
Key Stats:
- 9 big chances missed (most in the PL without scoring)
- 5 Champions League goals (4 vs. Galatasaray/Copenhagen)
- 18 touches vs. Bayern Munich—fewer than any starting forward
Systemic Failures: Creativity Drought at Old Trafford
United’s midfield lacks a natural playmaker, forcing Scott McTominay into a No. 10 role. Diogo Dalot’s refusal to pass to Hojlund against Bournemouth epitomizes the disconnect. As Mcw tactical expert Mark Thompson notes:
“Hojlund is making elite-level runs, but United’s system is designed for counter-attacks, not striker service. Even prime Ruud van Nistelrooy would struggle here.”
The Road Ahead: Patience or Panic?
Hojlund’s Serie A record (2 goals in 16 games vs. top-half teams for Atalanta) suggests he’s a project—not an instant fix. Julian Alvarez had 10 PL starts in his debut City season; Hojlund has matched that by December. But with Anthony Martial ineffective and Ten Hag under pressure, time is a luxury United can’t afford.
Final Verdict: Hojlund’s struggles are 30% finishing, 70% systemic. Until United address their creativity crisis, the drought will continue.
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