Rooney Rallies for Hojlund Amid United Woes

Manchester United fans, grab your cuppas – it’s time to talk Hojlund. With United’s season spiralling and domestic cups long gone, former United talisman Wayne Rooney has stepped up to defend the hotly criticised 22-year-old striker. Despite a goal drought that stretches back to mid-December, Rooney remains adamant that Hojlund isn’t the problem – the issue is the quality of service he’s being offered.

The Problem: Lack of Service

After being substituted on in a lacklustre performance against Arsenal, where he managed just one attempt on goal, Hojlund’s plight has become a talking point in Old Trafford and beyond. Rooney was blunt when he claimed that for a striker at this iconic club, trickle-in service isn’t going to do the trick in front of goal. Instead, the lad needs to be in the right positions at the right time – and that starts with his teammates laying the ball off in a manner that makes scoring a no-brainer.

Rooney’s Verdict

The legend himself told Match of the Day that the remedy is deceptively simple – “simplify the game.” He believes that once Hojlund starts receiving those penetration passes and decisive through balls, the goals will follow like clockwork. “I think he is a good player and he works hard,” Rooney opined, urging the team to focus on creating clear-cut opportunities for him.

Despite being transferred to United for a hefty £72million from Atalanta, and showing flashes of brilliance in his debut season with 16 goals in 43 outings, Hojlund has fallen victim to the team’s overall shortcomings this campaign. Manager Ruben Amorim has maintained that the striker was benched against the Gunners for reasons of “freshness” rather than form, a decision that has only added fuel to the fire among pundits and fans alike.

Looking Ahead

As United now shift their focus to the Europa League – with a clash against Real Sociedad looming – the pressure is on for a turnaround. With a mix of talent and tactical challenges, the onus is on the entire squad to deliver the kind of service that a natural finisher needs. And indeed, the sentiment extends beyond just scoring prolifically; it’s about restoring the attacking verve that once defined the club’s style.

For those keen to get in on all the transfer chatter and match-day insights – and if you fancy exploring best betting sites to follow every twist and turn – there’s never been a more exciting time to be a Red Devils supporter.