"He's lacking something" - Dwight Yorke insists Manchester United forward will never be 'a 20-goal a season' player

Dwight Yorke doubts Rasmus Hojlund will become a prolific forward at Manchester United. The Red Devils icon feels the Danish frontman is 'lacking something' amid a topsy-turvy start to life at Old Trafford.

Hojlund, 21, managed 16 goals in 43 games across competitions during his debut season with United. He has yet to bag more than that number at any of his current and previous clubs: Atalanta (10), FC Copenhagen (five), Sturm Graz (12).

Yorke doesn't think Hojlund has the tools to become the Red Devils' goalscoring machine for years to come. He raised concerns with the 6ft2in striker and alluded to his goalless Euro 2024 campaign with Denmark (via BoyleSports):

"I think it’s going to be very difficult for Hojlund to be a 20-goal a season striker from what I’ve seen and I think it will never happen. He's still young but even watching him at Euro 2024, he's lacking something. I'm not quite sure what it is. He's not got that X factor that you look for in strikers."

Manchester United paid £72 million to bring Hojlund to Old Trafford from Atalanta last summer, making him the club's most expensive U21 signing. He's spending his first pre-season with the club in the United States.

Yorke hopes Hojlund turns out for the best but doesn't think he'll be the answer in the long run:

"I think he's a good player. I think that's the category I would put him in as he's still very developing and there is huge hope for the kid and I wish him the best but I’m not seeing it just yet. I hope he surprises me but I have my doubts about it. I just think that is he going to be Manchester United's saviour? The answer is no."

The Red Devils have delved into the market and signed Joshua Zirkzee, 23, from Bologna for a reported £36.5 million. The Dutch forward will provide competition for Hojlund and perhaps help the Dane on the goalscoring front.

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"Huge potential" - Erik ten Hag backed Rasmus Hojlund to succeed at Manchester United

Erik ten Hag insisted Rasmus Hojlund had huge potential (Image - Getty)

Ten Hag disagrees with Yorke's stance over Hojlund, judging by his comments about the Danish striker when he joined Manchester United. The Dutch tactician told the club's media:

"I think he [Hojlund] has such a huge potential and now it's up to him to exploit it and we will will support him. All the coaches and the team will."

Hojlund encountered a mixed 2023-24 campaign amid a disappointing performance from Ten Hag's team collectively. Manchester United finished eighth in the league, enduring the worst Premier League season in their history.

The former Atalanta striker hit a purple patch in the winter, bagging seven goals in six consecutive league games. He didn't have a strike partner to bear the burden of hitting the net, as Anthony Martial was injured for most of the season.