Wayne Rooney Predicts More Goals for Rasmus Hojlund Amid Scoring Drought
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes "more goals will follow" for Rasmus Hojlund, attributing the striker’s recent struggles to a combination of low confidence, limited service, and unfortunate circumstances. Hojlund, who joined United in a £72 million move from Atalanta in 2023, has faced increased scrutiny in his second season with the club. Despite scoring seven goals in six Premier League games during a strong patch last season, the Danish forward has only netted twice in the 2024/25 campaign and hasn’t scored since December 12.
Hojlund’s teammate Lisandro Martinez has also come to his defense, emphasizing that other players share responsibility for providing the striker with adequate service. This was evident in last week’s Europa League clash against Real Sociedad, where Hojlund made a clever run into space but was overlooked by Diogo Dalot, who failed to play a simple pass.
Rooney, United’s all-time leading scorer with 253 goals, expressed confidence in Hojlund, describing him as a "good player who works hard." The former England captain believes the 21-year-old can become a consistent goal scorer with better circumstances and a bit of luck.
"He needs that bit of luck as well, but once he gets a break, more goals will follow," Rooney told BBC Sport following United’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal. "As a striker for Manchester United, when you’re not scoring goals, there’s a lot of pressure and a lot of people questioning if you can do it for the club."
Rooney pointed to a moment in the Arsenal match where Hojlund showed excellent movement to create a chance, only to see his shot blocked by a defender. "He had done everything right. It’s only a great block that stops the goal," Rooney said. However, he noted that Hojlund’s hesitation in another opportunity, where he was tackled by Declan Rice, highlighted his lack of confidence. "That’s the kind of scenario where, as a striker, if you’re scoring goals, you don’t even have to look up… you know where the goal is. That really showed how much he needs a goal."
Rooney advised Hojlund to simplify his game and focus on making runs into the penalty box. "Making runs into the penalty box is as easy as it comes. Hojlund needs to have that desire to get in the box," he explained, referencing a missed opportunity against Arsenal where Hojlund stopped his run instead of continuing into a prime scoring position. "If he carries on his run, he’s in the right place around the six-yard box to get a tap-in for the winner when Bruno Fernandes’ shot is saved."
The United icon also acknowledged that the team’s overall struggles have compounded Hojlund’s difficulties. "The whole team has not been at their best," Rooney said. "Forwards rely on their teammates for service, and United have not been playing well or creating enough chances. He’s not been in a team dominating possession, sliding balls in behind the defense, or putting balls into the box."
As Hojlund continues to adapt to life at Old Trafford, Rooney remains optimistic that the young striker will find his rhythm and start delivering the goals United fans are eagerly awaiting.
