'Rasmus Hojlund’s form speaks for itself' - Denmark boss Brian Riemer admits making 'compromise' by including struggling Man Utd striker in latest national team squad

Following United's 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday, Hojlund has now gone 20 matches in a row without scoring a goal. He has had a nightmare outing for the Red Devils in the 2024-25 campaign, but despite his poor form, the striker has been selected in the latest Denmark squad for their upcoming Nations League quarter-final clash against Portugal.

Explaining his decision to include the struggling Hojlund in his squad, the Denmark boss said: "Rasmus Hojlund’s form speaks for itself. I can’t say anything else, because you know the numbers. I would prefer to select a team where the players are bursting with self-confidence and in top form.

"But sometimes you also have to compromise. My job is to find the balance of how many of those who are not in top form I can select. I think Rasmus Hojlund really benefits from coming here and getting some national love."

The former Brentford assistant coach added: "I’m not worried at all. Rasmus is a strong character. I’ve been in close contact with him. I’ve been in this game for many years. That’s football. It goes up and down. I don’t know any striker who hasn’t been in scoring crises. When he scored seven goals in six games in a row [last season for Manchester United], we were all ready with a 100-year contract.

"That’s football. Suddenly the boil pops up again, and then we’ve forgotten what happened. Rasmus is an important part of our team. With the qualities he possesses in terms of scoring goals and participating in our pressing game, we are happy to have him with us for the two upcoming international matches."

Hojlund will hope to find his scoring boots this Thursday as the Red Devils take on Real Sociedad in a crucial second-leg Europa League round of 16 fixture at Old Trafford.