“He’s got plenty of game in him” - Nicklas Bendtner backs inconsistent Manchester United star to ‘catch fire’ in the near future

Former Arsenal star Nicklas Bendtner has backed Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund to step up his game in the near future. The Dane believes the 21-year-old has the potential to become successful at Old Trafford.

Rasmus Hojlund joined Manchester United from Atalanta in a deal worth €73 million last summer, according to Transfermarkt. Although the striker showed flashes of his brilliance this season - especially in the UEFA Champions League - where he scored five times in six outings - he's struggled to perform consistently.

So far, he's bagged nine goals and two assists in 29 Premier League games this season, with his overall tally across all competitions standing at 15 goals and two assists in 41 outings.

After experiencing an under-par outing this term, Manchester United will be looking to further bolster their squad during the summer transfer window in preparation for next season. According to TeamTalk, there are speculation about the Red Devils adding a more experienced striker to their ranks.

Speaking in a recent interview, Nicklas Bendtner discussed Rasmus Hojlund's situation at Old Trafford, where he backed his compatriot to start delivering the goods in the near future.

“What’s difficult is that United have to bring in a lot of players, so the question is where they’re going to get these three or four top players to strengthen the team,” the former Arsenal star was quoted as saying by TeamTalk.

He added:

“The striker position could be one of them, and Hojlund being withdrawn and playing maybe 20 games a year instead – unless he catches fire, which he could do."

“I don’t think it really matters as such. He’s still got the format, and he’s got plenty of game in him. He has the potential to be really, really good. Also at United.”

When queried whether the 21-year-old has had a good debut season at Manchester United, Bendtner said:

“I would say that based on the conditions, I would say that in terms of playing, no, but I would say that to the whole United team."

“But attitude-wise, I would say yes. I think his attitude has been top class. I really like his attitude.”

It's still unclear what United will do about signing a new striker after they just splashed money on Hojlund. It's apparently too early to throw in the towel on the Dane at this stage.

What's next for Rasmus Hojlund and Manchester United?

Up next, Manchester United will go head-to-head with Brighton in their final Premier League fixture of the season away from home this weekend. They'll be looking to secure all three points while hoping that Newcastle United fail to beat Brentford to leapfrog them to seventh position in the table.

After that, they'll gear up for their most important game of the campaign: the FA Cup final versus local rivals Manchester City on Saturday, May 25 This match is Erik ten Hag's men's only hope of securing silverware this season.

Rasmus Hojlund is expected to feature in both games. The Dane has started in each of the Red Devils' last 11 games across all fronts and would likely get Ten Hag's nod in these closing fixtures.