- Hojlund was dropped to the bench for United’s clash against Newcastle
- The Danish international came on as a substitute to score Man United’s third goal
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Rasmus Hojlund was dropped to the bench for Manchester United‘s final home game of the season before coming on to score against Newcastle.
The Danish striker had netted just one Premier League goal in his last eight games, after previously scoring six in seven.
His concerning form comes at a time when the Red Devils have also struggled for results, with just one victory in their last nine games – which came against relegated Sheffield United.
United have a FA Cup final to come against Man City later this month, and reports have suggested that the club are managing Hojlund’s minutes ahead of their most important game of the season.
Roy Keane though has told Sky Sports that manager Erik ten Hag is perhaps ‘sending a message to the board’ with his decision to drop Hojlund.
Rasmus Hojlund has been dropped to the bench for Manchester United’s clash with Newcastle
The Danish striker has struggled for form with one goal in his last eight Premier League games
He said: ‘Maybe the manager is sending a message to the board that he has not got many options.
‘Sometimes I think managers do that with a couple of games to go to show they need reinforcements. Obviously, he is hoping he will be ready for the cup final.’
Manchester United are currently lacking in depth up front, with Hojlund still adapting to English football, and Marcus Rashford having a big drop-off in terms of goals from 30 last season to just eight in all competitions this term.
Ten Hag opted to select Bruno Fernandes in a central role for their game with Newcastle, with the Portuguese international back in action after missing their last two matches.
Hojlund was called upon by the Dutchman in the second half and made an instant impact, scoring two minutes after being brought on in the 82nd minute.
The forward scored Man United’s third goal of the evening, as the hosts secured a 3-2 win to move level with Newcastle in the table and boost their hopes of Europe.
Manchester United are expected to have a busy summer after the arrival of minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Going into their clash with Newcastle, the Red Devils are eighth in the standings, three points behind the Magpies in sixth – though Eddie Howe’s side have a far superior goal difference of +22 compared to United’s -4.
