Manchester United appeared to have finally resolved a problem that had persisted for ten years.
Since Robin Van Persie’s outstanding rookie season for Manchester United, in which his goal-scoring heroics propelled the Red Devils to their 13th Premier League title and 20th overall, striker troubles have been prevalent.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku were brought in by Jose Mourinho, and Anthony Martial appeared to be the answer under Louis Van Gaal, but striker problems have persisted for years.
Well, players tasked with leading the line have come and gone, but it appears like Erik ten Hag has finally mastered the secret.
Hojlund: the solution to United’s difficulties
When Ten Hag approved United’s £64 million signing of Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, it signified a significant departure from the previous few strikers who have led the line.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had to rely on loans and short-term deals since money was not available.
Odion Ighalo and Edinson Cavani were brought in, but no young striker was drafted to address the issue. And then there was Cristiano Ronaldo.
Hojlund represented a player with plenty of promise as a centre-forward, was still young enough at 20 to learn and grow with the team, and, perhaps most importantly, was a Red Devils fan growing up.
The Dane has had a slow start, but the last month has served as a reminder of his quality and the first significant indication that this 10-year problem is nearing resolution.
The move for the Dane marked United’s first serious attempt to solve this issue, and it demonstrated a shift in strategy. Many would have preferred that the squad pursue Harry Kane, and while he would have had a more immediate impact, Hojlund is ten years younger.
He still needs support.
He still requires assistance; having an experienced striker surrounding him would ease the load, allowing Hojlund to be better protected and have more life. However, it appears that United made the right decision by bringing him in.
Hojlund’s Impact
Hojlund’s five Champions League goals were a clear reminder of his goal-scoring ability, and it was becoming a source of concern that he couldn’t translate this from Europe to England.
However, the breakthrough moment against Aston Villa at Old Trafford late on proved to be the spark, as the Dane has now scored in four consecutive league games for the Red Devils.
In addition to increasing his goal total, he has improved his teamwork and now has two assists in the league. Throughout the season, Hojlund has appeared more and more at ease leading the line, and he is beginning to resemble the centre-forward that the fanbase has long desired.
