The Athletic’s Rory Whitwell has raised concerns about Rasmus Whitwell’s confidence after the Manchester United striker produced another lackluster display under the top flight in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool. .
The visiting team started brightly at Anfield and were the better team in the first half. Ruben Amorim’s side will feel they should have taken the lead when they headed home with all their might on half-time. Hoylund missed a golden chance in the 41st minute.
The Danish frontman found himself in a promising position but was unable to shoot better than Alisson Becker. It was a frustrating night on Merseyside for the 21-year-old, who has yet to reach the heights many expected.
United took the lead in the 52nd minute with a powerful strike from Lisandro Martinez, but Kodi Gakpo hit back seven minutes later with a superb strike. Matthijs de Ligt threatened to spoil a great game at Anfield for the Red Devils by awarding him a spot-kick, but Mohamed Salah took it in the 70th minute.
However, Amad Diallo scored the decisive equalizer in the 80th minute, giving Amorim’s side a deserved point. Hojland played 86 minutes and was sent off to be replaced by Joshua Zirkzee.
Whitwell: “Khojland lacks confidence”
Danes disappointed at Anfield
Hoylund joined United from Atalanta in August 2023 for £72 million. He became the club’s highest-paid Under-21 signing in the club’s history, but he did not live up to expectations, particularly in terms of goalscoring.
The Denmark international, who has 22 caps, has scored just two goals in 15 Premier League games this season. He was tasked with leading the line against Liverpool’s formidable defence, but failed to pose a real threat to Arne Slott’s side.
Hoylund squandered that big chance while being silenced in the air by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. His 6-foot-3 frame should make him a handful for opponents, but that’s not really the case.
Speaking after the first half at Anfield, Whitwell was full of praise for several of United’s star players, but also highlighted Hojland’s struggles. He wrote to X:
(Manchester United’s) good halves, (Coby) Mainu and (Manuel) Ugarte (especially) did well in midfield and gave the team a foothold. There are also some clever attacks. (Bruno) Fernandes picks the pass. Mr. Hojland seems unsure. (Harry) Maguire, (Matthejs) de Ligt, (Lissandro) Martinez are aggressive.
Rasmus Hojlund vs Liverpool
Play time (minutes)
86 minutes
the goal
0
Expected goals (xG)
0.07
assist
0
shot on target
1
Dribble attempt (successful)
1(1)
missed a big opportunity
1
touch
18
exact path
7/10 (70%)
key pass
0
cross (ac.)
1 (0)
Won a ground duel
2(1)
Win an aerial duel
5(2)
Høylund is walking on thin ice as he falters in United colors, but the club could be preparing to move on from the Dane. Amorim is reportedly keen to reunite with former Sporting CP frontman Victor Gokeres, with the versatile Swede keen to link up with the Portuguese manager at Old Trafford.
Related article Ruben Amorim ‘condemns’ another Man United star after Joshua Zirkzee
Ruben Amorim was clearly unhappy with the 21-year-old’s performance in Man United’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.
All statistics provided by SofaScore – accurate as of May 1, 2025.
