Rasmus Hojlund`s underwhelming display in the Manchester derby has raised questions about Manchester United`s striker options.
The Danish forward struggled to make an impact against Manchester City. His ineffective performance in the 0-0 draw might push manager Ruben Amorim to seek a new striker in the summer transfer window.
Hojlund struggled to influence the game, with minimal involvement during his 71 minutes on the field.
Statistics highlight his struggles at Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old had just 15 touches of the ball and completed only seven of his nine passes, achieving a 78 per cent pass accuracy.
Notably, the striker failed to register a single touch inside Manchester City`s penalty area.
Hojlund also failed to take any shots at Ederson`s goal.
He lost possession four times before being substituted by Joshua Zirkzee in the 71st minute.
Zirkzee, in his limited time, showed more promise against City`s defense and came close to scoring after receiving a cross from Patrick Dorgu.
Hojlund`s performance may underscore the need for Manchester United to consider a striker replacement in the summer.
Days before this match, defender Harry Maguire was moved to a forward position in an attempt to score against Nottingham Forest.
Despite Maguire not scoring, his expected goals (xG) in added time surpassed Hojlund`s xG in his previous 15 appearances.
Hojlund, who was signed from Atalanta for £72 million in 2023, has scored eight goals this season, with only three in the Premier League.
Manchester United are reportedly competing with Arsenal to sign Viktor Gyokeres, a striker previously managed by Amorim at Sporting.
Both Manchester United and Manchester City have performed below expectations this season, evident in their goalless derby.
Manchester United manager Amorim used a defensive setup, relying on Bruno Fernandes for creative passes.
Amorim commented that the fact neither team is contending for the title changed the game`s dynamic, removing the urgency to win every home game.
However, Gary Neville criticized this perspective, calling the derby a poor advertisement for the Premier League.
Neville remarked on the perceived lack of intensity and overly managed, “robotic” nature of modern games.
Roy Keane also criticized the friendly interactions between players after the final whistle.
Amorim responded to criticism, acknowledging Gary Neville`s critical nature and the team`s current poor season, which affects the quality of games for fans.
Despite the dull game, fans were vocal, referencing Manchester City`s alleged financial rule breaches.
Pep Guardiola also condemned home fans for offensive chants about Phil Foden`s mother.
Manchester United`s next match is against Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals, with the first leg in France.
Meanwhile, Manchester City is currently fifth in the league, trailing Chelsea by one point, even after Chelsea`s own 0-0 draw with Brentford.
Newcastle could potentially overtake City if they win against Leicester City.
