Cristiano Ronaldo regret for Man Utd in Rasmus Hojlund development as misfiring £72m Danish striker missed out on chance to work with perfect mentor

Hojlund's time with the Red Devils may have gone differently had he been able to learn from the great Portuguese forward, believes former United title-winner Clayton Blackmore. He said he feels for Hojlund and expressed doubts over Erik ten Hag's recruitment policy during his time at the club.

Ronaldo departed Old Trafford after having his contract terminated in November 2022, just eight months before a 20-year-old Hojlund arrived at the club. Having one of the best players of all-time and arguably the world's greatest goalscorer to learn from could have done wonders for the youngster. Instead, Hojlund was forced to become United's starting centre-forward too soon. He showed signs of promise by hitting double figures in the Premier League in his first season, but the Danish striker only found the net four times last term and recently lost his place in the Denmark side.

Blackmore said, speaking to AceOdds.com: “I do feel for Hojlund. He’s a young boy and he’s still learning. I think Ronaldo would have been a great player for Hojlund to learn from and play off. Now he’s been thrown into the deep end and has to learn by himself.

“He only had 13 senior goals that season when United signed him which is another big decision from Ten Hag. I don't know what he was thinking, bringing in so many unproven players in the Premier League. It’s a different beast.”

Blackmore continued: “I do think Hojlund has the qualities to succeed. I just think he plays the number nine role incorrectly at times. He backs into centre backs and that’s not how to do it. I spoke to Mark Hughes about it and he gave some advice.

“He said Hojlund should back into the defender and then push away from them to get onto the ball. Give yourself five or six yards to control the ball and then do what you want with it. Instead he’s trying to control the ball and stand on the centre half.

"He’s too busy fighting. He didn’t look like a good centre forward. He wasn’t getting into the right positions. He also wasn’t getting into the penalty box when crosses came in. But I’ve seen him and he can run, his feet are good and he’s got it all there to be a top striker.” 

Hojlund will be hoping to get his confidence back in his third season at Old Trafford. United have been targeting a new centre-forward this summer, but as it stands Hojlund looks likely to start alongside new boy Matheus Cunha and the incoming Bryan Mbeumo. He will hope that the Red Devils' marquee signings will take some of the goalscoring pressure off him while giving the 22-year-old the service to shine in front of goal himself. This is if Hojlund stays at the club, amidst interest from Serie A.