Troy Deeney Shares Insights on Rasmus Hojlund’s Goal Drought at Manchester United
Rasmus Hojlund, the promising striker for Manchester United, has faced significant scrutiny due to a prolonged goal drought, having not scored in his last 19 appearances. Despite this alarming statistic, former player Troy Deeney argues that Hojlund should not be singled out as the primary concern for the struggling club. Instead, he suggests that the lack of overall attacking cohesion within the team plays a larger role in the striker’s difficulties.
Understanding Hojlund’s Struggles
Hojlund’s situation is emblematic of the challenges currently plaguing Manchester United, a club that finds itself languishing in 14th place in the Premier League. With only seven goals across 36 matches this season, the £72 million investment in Hojlund from Atalanta is beginning to raise eyebrows. Deeney, however, believes the criticism aimed at Hojlund is misplaced. He emphasizes that the young forward has often been deprived of quality service, stating, “I feel sorry for him because in those 19 games, I don’t remember a chance that you go, ‘Oh, he should have scored that.’”
The Striker’s Dilemma: Service or Skill?
Deeney’s critique highlights a crucial aspect of a striker’s performance: the quality of service they receive from teammates. In Hojlund’s case, Deeney notes that the chances presented to him have often been subpar. He argues that the entire Manchester United attack has exhibited a lack of creativity and decisiveness, contributing to Hojlund’s struggles. “The final quality’s not been great, not just for him but for Manchester United as a whole,” Deeney adds, underscoring the need for a more robust attacking strategy.
If the service issues are addressed, Hojlund could regain his confidence, which is essential for any striker. The mental aspect of goal scoring cannot be underestimated; a prolonged drought can weigh heavily on a player’s psyche. Deeney himself experienced similar challenges during his career, and he understands the importance of overcoming these psychological barriers.
Strategies for Rebuilding Confidence
In his reflections on overcoming goal droughts, Deeney shares insights from his own experiences, including a training drill he performed with the legendary Gianfranco Zola. This drill, which involved shooting without a goalkeeper, was designed to help strikers reconnect with the fundamentals of scoring. “Now as a player, you’d hate that because you kind of feel a bit humiliated,” Deeney recalls. However, he emphasizes that such drills can help players regain their scoring touch.
He also suggests that confidence should stem from within rather than relying on external validation. “When you play for Manchester United, it’s the biggest club in world football. Strap your big boy pants on and get after it,” Deeney asserts. This mentality is crucial for players like Hojlund and others struggling under the weight of expectations.
Current State of Manchester United’s Attack
Looking at the broader context, Manchester United’s attacking woes are reflected in their top scorers this season. Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo lead with just six goals each, while Hojlund lags behind with only two. This lack of firepower is a clear indication that the team as a whole needs to improve its attacking dynamics if they wish to rise from their current position.
Deeney’s advice extends to other struggling players like Joshua Zirkzee, who has also faced challenges since joining the club. Zirkzee’s recent performances, including a missed penalty in the FA Cup, highlight the pressures young players face. Deeney encourages these players to approach scoring with determination, urging them to act as though they expect to score rather than simply hoping for a favorable outcome.
Looking Ahead: Can Hojlund Break the Drought?
As Manchester United prepares to face Arsenal, all eyes will be on Hojlund to see if he can end his goal drought. With the right mindset and improved service from his teammates, there is hope that he can reclaim his scoring form. The narrative surrounding Hojlund, however, must shift from placing blame solely on him to recognizing the collective responsibility of the team.
In summary, while Hojlund’s goal drought raises valid concerns, it is essential to consider the broader context of Manchester United’s attacking struggles. A combination of improved service, confidence-building strategies, and a collective team effort could provide the key to unlocking Hojlund’s potential and revitalizing the club’s fortunes.