Rooney backs Hojlund amid goal drought

Former Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has expressed confidence in Rasmus Hojlund’s abilities despite the striker’s ongoing goal drought at the club.

The Danish forward has not scored since mid-December, when he found the net in a 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Since then, Hojlund has come under heavy criticism, with many pointing to his inability to find the back of the net in a tough season for the Red Devils.

United’s season has been far from ideal as they are out of both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, with disappointing losses to Fulham and Tottenham, and they currently sit 14th in the Premier League table.

However, Rooney, a club legend, has come to Hojlund’s defence, suggesting that the striker may not have been receiving the right kind of service to thrive.

“You know, a striker for Manchester United, when you’re not scoring goals, there’s a lot of pressure, a lot of people talking about you,” Rooney said on Match of the Day after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday. “The best thing to do is simplify it… making runs into the penalty box is as easy as it comes – you have to make those runs.”

“Nine times out of ten, you’re relying on your teammates to give you chances. Maybe he hasn’t been getting that service of late. But I’ve got faith in him. I think he’s a good player and works hard. He just needs that goal, and once he gets it, they’ll all start coming.”

Rooney’s comments came after Hojlund was dropped from the starting lineup for United’s match against Arsenal, a decision that many saw as a reflection of his recent struggles.