Premier League icon Alan Shearer has delivered a critical assessment of Man Utd striker Rasmus Hojlund, describing the young forward as a “damaged player”.
This, following another difficult outing for the Dane during United’s 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Hojlund, 22, joined Manchester United from Atalanta in a high-profile 73 million pounds move in 2023 and scored 10 goals in his debut Premier League campaign. However, the Danish international has endured a significant decline in form this season, registering only three league goals – just one of which has come in 2025.
During the match against Wolves, Hojlund was substituted in the 70th minute after an ineffective performance that saw him miss several opportunities. Shearer, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day 2, offered a detailed critique of the forward’s ongoing struggles.
“I’m looking at a damaged player in Hojlund,” Shearer remarked. “He wasn’t ready, and he still isn’t ready, to lead the line at a club the size of Manchester United. Three Premier League goals so far – right now, he looks like someone who lacks the desire or confidence to get into the right areas.”
The former England striker pointed to Hojlund’s poor timing and positioning in front of goal as recurring issues. “He’s consistently a second too early or a second too late. His timing is all wrong, and it’s clear he’s suffering from a crisis of confidence.”
Despite his underwhelming performances this season, Hojlund has remained United’s primary striker under manager Ruben Amorim, often being preferred over alternatives such as Joshua Zirkzee and teenage prospect Chido Obi-Martin.
While Shearer acknowledged the difficult circumstances surrounding Hojlund’s role, he suggested that the Red Devils may need to consider reinforcing their attacking options in the upcoming summer transfer window to alleviate the pressure on the young forward.
“He’s been thrust into an incredibly demanding situation at a club where, unless you’re exceptional, it’s difficult to succeed,” Shearer said. “He’s not yet at the stage of his career where he should be leading the line. I do believe there is a good player in there, but the current expectations, coupled with his hefty price tag, are clearly proving too much at this stage.”
Manchester United’s loss to Wolves marked their 15th league defeat of the season. Pablo Sarabia’s second-half free-kick secured all three points for the visitors shortly after Hojlund was substituted. The result leaves Amorim’s side 14th in the Premier League table, just two points above 17th-placed West Ham United, with United also ranking among the league’s lowest scorers.
