Rasmus Hojlund told some of his Man Utd team-mates 'don't have the qualities to play at this level' as Jaap Stam explains why £72m striker is struggling to open Premier League goal account

Since completing a £72m move to Manchester United from Atalanta in the summer, Hojlund has appeared in nine Premier League games, but the Danish forward is yet to find the back of the net in the league even once. On the other hand in the Champions League, he has enjoyed a rich vein of form, scoring five times in four matches. Now, former United defender Stam has claimed the reason why the youngster has found it difficult to adjust in the Premier League is largely due to the incompetence of some of his team-mates.

The United legend went on to heap praise on Hojlund for his great speed and physique, and advised him to keep working hard to score as many goals as possible and boost his confidence.

In the 2022-23 season in Italy, Hojlund netted 16 times and provided seven assists for Atalanta in 42 appearances.

Speaking to Soccernews in collaboration with Tipsbladet, Stam said: "He has made a really good impression on me. I think he is a really good player. He is very talented. He has an excellent left leg, a really good physique and lots of speed. And he has shown that in his first matches for United.

"The thing about him, when he comes to such a big club as a very young man, is that it is not easy for him to show his qualities. Because he also needs the players around him. He needs them to put him on stage and give him opportunities to score. He plays in a team that lacks confidence. He has players around him who don't have the confidence and maybe not even the qualities to play at this level. So it's not going to be easy for him, but he's just going to have to do what he can. He must show his qualities and work hard. Hopefully, he scores some goals and then he gets even more confidence."

The 20-year-old will aim to score his maiden Premier League goal this Sunday as the Red Devils lock horns against Everton at Goodison Park. United are sixth in the table at the moment, seven points adrift of leaders Manchester City.