“I can say the same thing about Haaland” - Rio Ferdinand feels Manchester United star looked like a ‘boy’ in defeat to Arsenal

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has raised an issue on the performance of striker Rasmus Hojlund in the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday, December 4. The Red Devils struggled as they were outplayed and outscored by the Gunners, extending their winless run at the Emirates to seven years.

New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is four games into his reign at the club and is still looking for his best XI. The Portuguese tactician opted to name Hojlund, who scored a brace in the UEFA Europa League win over Bodo Glimt, in the starting XI for the game. The Denmark international failed to leave his mark, however, as he was effectively shackled by the Gunners' backline.

Rio Ferdinand spoke via his Rio Ferdinand Presents show, pointing out that the striker looked like a boy when he came up against Arsenal's William Saliba. He likened the striker to Manchester City ace Erling Haaland in how they struggle against physical defenders.

“Saliba looks imposing. Rasmus Hojlund is probably still trying to fight his way out of his pocket right now – it was like a man against a boy yesterday," Ferdinand said.

“I want to see Rasmus Hojlund improve in those situations, in those one-v-ones. I’m saying it about Rasmus Hojlund, but I can say the same thing about Haaland," he added.

Hojlund failed to register a single shot on target in the game, completed no key passes, and completed no dribbles for his side. The £64 million signing from Atalanta continues to struggle and may soon lose his place in the XI preferred by Amorim, having managed just four goals all season.

Set-piece mastery lifts Arsenal over Manchester United in key clash

Manchester United were undone by Arsenal's set-piece expertise in their Premier League meeting as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the Emirates. The Red Devils conceded two goals from set-pieces in the second half to come away from the game empty-handed.

With Arsenal known for their set-piece proficiency, Ruben Amorim's side could be seen training to defend set pieces during their warm-ups ahead of the game. It did not matter, eventually, as Mikel Arteta's side scored through Jurrien Timber and William Saliba from two corner-kicks to decide the game in their favor.

The result leaves the Gunners in third place while giving Amorim a lot to think about as he suffered a first defeat in charge of Manchester United. Both sides will lock horns once more in the second week of January in the third round of the FA Cup.