Rasmus Hojlund, the Manchester United striker, has addressed speculation surrounding his recent interview with The United Stand, a fan channel owned by Mark Goldbridge. The interview sparked controversy, with reports suggesting that Goldbridge had received death threats and a police investigation was launched. Additionally, there were claims that some of Hojlund’s teammates were frustrated with him for doing the interview, as The United Stand is known to be critical of Red Devils players at times. However, Hojlund has dismissed these claims as “fake news” in an interview with Danish media.
Hojlund agreed to do the interview with Goldbridge and The United Stand to fulfill a promise he had made after his £72m transfer from Atalanta in the summer. The United Stand has a massive following online, with 1.83 million subscribers on YouTube and 2.3 million followers on Twitter. However, following the interview, Goldbridge received warnings that he was “a dead man walking,” with threats of harm if he ever went to Old Trafford again. The messages also mentioned other staff members and the exact location of the studio.
Goldbridge, discussing the backlash, expressed his understanding of differing opinions in football but condemned the threatening behavior exhibited on social media. He called it a “vile pack mentality” that exists on social media platforms.
Currently, Hojlund is away on international duty with the Denmark national team, preparing for matches against Switzerland and the Faroe Islands. However, once he returns, all eyes will be on him as Manchester United takes on Brentford, Chelsea, and Liverpool in the Premier League.
The controversy surrounding Hojlund’s interview highlights the passionate and divisive nature of football. The online threats received by Goldbridge and The United Stand serve as a reminder of the dark side of social media. While fans have the right to voice their opinions, it is important to remember that threatening and harmful behavior is never acceptable.
Hojlund’s decision to address the speculation and dismiss the claims made by the Daily Mail shows his commitment to transparency and his determination to focus on his performance on the pitch. As a young player, he has already faced immense pressure following his high-profile transfer, and this incident will test his resilience and ability to handle criticism.
Ultimately, the interview controversy should not overshadow Hojlund’s talent and potential as a striker. As he continues to train with the Denmark national team and prepares for upcoming Premier League matches, all eyes will be on him to see how he performs and whether he can live up to the expectations that come with being a Manchester United player.