At face value, Manchester United’s 2-2 away draw against Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final was undoubtedly a positive result to take back to Old Trafford for the decider on Thursday.
But were it not for goalkeeper Andre Onana’s costly errors, on the back of his war of words with the French side’s former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, Ruben Amorim would probably have left Lyon with a win and the tie fully in control. However, as well as Onana, Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles in the other penalty area continued, as he was the first United player to be substituted just after the hour mark.
On the latest episode of Talk of the Devils, Ian Irving, Carl Anka and Andy Mitten discussed Hojlund’s lack of goals and whether the 22-year-old Dane has what it takes to be United’s No 9.
This partial transcript has been edited for clarity and length. The full episode is available on the “Talk of the Devils” feed on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Ian Irving: I was interested in the starting line-up because it was the same team Amorim named in the Manchester derby (last weekend), and even though there were players still coming back to fitness, it felt like he was getting close to a settled XI. But I wonder now, with Hojlund’s performance and Joshua Zirkzee’s impact off the bench again (as his direct replacement last night), because he did similar in the derby as well in terms of having probably United’s best chance in the second half to win the game, whether he now forces his way into the XI for the second leg. In terms of Hojlund, Carl, he had 10 touches in the first half, which is not a lot. But those 10 touches did bring two glorious opportunities to score. And he was actually shooting in the game, which I know is something that you keep your eye out for.
Carl Anka: His first shot lacked pace and precision, but it was better than not shooting. And then his header was a bit off-target but set up Casemiro for an overhead kick, which was quite wonderful. But the concern I’m having with Hojlund is that he used to make double movements inside the penalty area, particularly when he was going towards the near post. He’s not doing that with the same conviction or intensity that he used to.
Irving: He’s playing without conviction, isn’t he? I’m not sure there’s any conviction in his game at the moment. I’m sure it’s a confidence thing, and he’s a product of the run that he’s had. But he has to find it again, doesn’t he?
Anka: He does, and it’s not easy. It’s so hard to keep making that run, even though you have no guarantee that the ball is going to be delivered. It’s also so hard to keep making that run if your first shot keeps going out, or off-target and whatnot.
Andy Mitten: Is that the shot he dragged wide? It was a good chance. And there was another time when he got the ball down near the corner, and he just kicked it out. It comes back to confidence. I still think there’s a player in there, I really do. But I realise we can’t be having this chat in eight years when he’s 30 and it hasn’t worked.
Anka: Is there a United player in there, though?
Mitten: I wouldn’t write that off either, because I’ve seen so many players leave and… I’m not going to let this go towards Antony, but the culture at the club has been a part of the reason why some players have failed.
Irving: With Hojlund, I interviewed him on Monday and I’ve interviewed him a handful of times across his time at United. There is a character in there, and I like the character. I spoke to him about the criticism he’s had, and about what it’s like being the Manchester United No 9 — what it’s actually like to be him. For his age and level of experience, I was impressed. Because, don’t forget, he had a couple of years as a senior striker before he joined United, but it wasn’t like he had five years’ worth of top-level experience before he came to the club. And a lot of money was paid for him too.
Anka: Gian Piero Gasperini (Hojlund’s manager for his one season, 2022-23, at previous club Atalanta in Italy) himself said that he would have liked to have kept Hojlund for another year, because he thought there were two or three things he didn’t quite have under his belt yet…
Irving: He’s also having to do this now with the greatest of scrutiny. There aren’t many positions where you’re facing greater scrutiny than the Manchester United No 9. Especially this season, with the way that the campaign has gone, the lack of goals and everything else. But he just seemed very mature and very level-headed, and it gave me some belief that he can emerge from where he is at the moment. But no question, it’s one thing where you’re going through a derby and not shooting. But it’s a very different thing where you get a chance like he did against Lyon and snatches at it. That’s quite a clear distinction.
Remember, you can listen to full episodes of Talk of the Devils on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
(Top photo: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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