Alan Shearer defends 'damaged player' Rasmus Hojlund as Premier League legend insists toiling Man Utd striker has been 'put in really difficult situation'

Hojlund was supposed to be Manchester United's next big striker as they looked to get back to the top of English football. However, the Danish striker has struggled to find form throughout his stint with the Red Devils so far, as the team has flopped as a whole. The 22-year-old has only scored 24 goals in 88 appearances for United since joining the club, but his real struggles have come under Ruben Amorim, as he has managed just six goals in 33 games under the Portuguese coach.

United boss Amorim has continued to back Hojlund despite his struggles this season, and Premier League all-time top scorer Shearer has now also defended the 'damaged' Danish striker. The former Newcastle star has claimed that Hojlund was not 'ready to lead the attack at a club like Man Utd' and that he has been 'put in a bad situation'.

Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, Shearer said: “I am looking at a damaged player in Hojlund. He wasn’t ready and isn’t ready to lead the attack at a club like Man Utd.

“I am seeing a guy who doesn’t want to get in there. There is no doubt a crisis in confidence. He has been put into a really difficult situation.

“He is not at the stage of his career to lead the line. I’m not saying there is not a good player there, I think there is, but with the pressure there is, he is not ready to lead the line yet.”

If reports are to be believed, Manchester United could be considering selling Hojlund this summer in a bid to raise funds to sign a new striker, with Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, and Liam Delap discussed as options. However, Amorim's trust in the Danish striker may suggest something else.