"The team is not playing him right" - Peter Schmeichel questions Manchester United over use of player dubbed as 'fantastic talent'

Manchester United legend Peter Peter Schmeichel has questioned the club's use of Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund. The former Red Devils goalkeeper believes Erik ten Hag isn't utilizing the striker properly amid his mixed start to life at Old Trafford.

Rasmus Hojlund joined Manchester United from Serie A outfit Atalanta in a deal worth €73.90 million in August last year, as per Transfermarkt. The 21-year-old's debut campaign produced 16 goals and two assists in 43 appearances as he experienced moments of ups and downs in the 2023-24 season.

The signs initially looked positive for the Dane heading into the current campaign as he scored a fantastic goal in the preseason clash with Arsenal back in July. But unfortunately, he picked up a hamstring injury in that match and is yet to return.

So far, Hojlund has missed all of Manchester United's three Premier League games this season. There were expectations that he could return to the side ahead of this weekend's action but news broke out yesterday that the club will not rush him back into the team.

Speaking to TipsBladet, Peter Schmeichel spoke in glowing praise of the player's potential, revealing that he also spoke to assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy and confirmed that the Dutchman also sees something special in the 21-year-old.

“He is a fantastic talent. The possibilities that lie within him are at the highest level. Now Ruud van Nistelrooy came in and I spoke to him briefly. He says there is so much potential in this. If he can help him, he is a very impressive young person. He is far older than the 21 years he is. He has a great perspective. He is very sensible and cheeky – all the things you want in a young striker,” Schmeichel said.

Schmeichel went on to lambast Manchester United's use of the player, saying:

"It’s not just Rasmus! The team is not playing him right, so there are some things that need to be corrected.”

How Erik ten Hag's Manchester United have fared so far this season

Erik ten Hag's Red Devils lost the Community Shield following a penalty shootout to local rivals Manchester City to start the season. They went on to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham in their Premier League opener but have suffered defeats in both their fixtures since, losing 2-1 to Brighton and 3-0 to Liverpool.

This wasn't the kind of start Erik ten Hag would be looking forward to and he's got to find a way to turn the situation around before things get out of hand. The Red Devils will take on Southampton in their next game on Saturday, September 14, and a victory will be essential to ease the dissatisfaction at Old Trafford.