Rasmus Hojlund Called ‘A Disappointment’ By San Marino Player After Horror Challenge
Rasmus Hojlund has been called ‘a disappointment’ by one of the San Marino players accused of setting out to hurt the Manchester United star. The young striker scored the opener in Denmark’s 2-1 win over San Marino in Tuesday night’s Euro 2024 qualifier, but also found himself on the receiving end of a horror challenge late on.
Danish captain Simon Kjaer compared the incident to the one that saw Neymar suffer a fractured back in the 2014 World Cup, and also claims he overheard the opposition players plotting to injure his teammate. Hojlund himself was furious with their ‘disrespectful’ behavior throughout the match, saying: ‘They tried to ruin my career.’
Now, Roberto Di Maio, the player who fouled the 20-year-old just minutes after getting subbed on, has spoken out about the incident and did not mince his words.
Roberto Di Maio’s Response
‘Today I read that Mr 80 million is complaining because yesterday he received less than great treatment from the defenders of San Marino,’ the 41-year-old posted on his Instagram story along with a picture of the foul.
‘Well dear, probably in football like today where physical contact has disappeared you can allow yourself to make fun of us little opponents with ugly and repeated gestures or to simulate at every opportunity hoping for the VAR for a penalty.
‘I would have liked to see you 15 years ago when only real men played football! You were a disappointment Hojlund, good luck.’
Hojlund’s Injury Concerns
Hojlund arrived at Old Trafford over the summer carrying a back problem, and this incident will leave Erik ten Hag sweating over the fitness of his £72m signing. The Dane has been one of the Red Devils’ best players so far this season, with three goals in his first six starts for the club, though his form hasn’t been able to counter his side’s awful form.
United, with or without the striker, travel to Sheffield United on Saturday night desperate to improve upon 10th in the Premier League table.
Conclusion
Rasmus Hojlund has been on the receiving end of some criticism from a San Marino player after a horror challenge in Tuesday night’s Euro 2024 qualifier. Roberto Di Maio hit back at Hojlund on Instagram after the incident, calling him ‘a disappointment’. Hojlund has been one of Manchester United’s best players this season, but his injury concerns will be heightened after this incident. United travel to Sheffield United on Saturday night desperate to improve upon 10th in the Premier League table.