Rasmus Hojlund missed some big chances in the first half of Manchester United’s clash with Wigan (Picture: Getty Images)
Roy Keane had little sympathy for Rasmus Hojlund after the Manchester United striker missed multiple good chances against Wigan in the FA Cup, telling the forward to ‘stop messing about’.
Hojlund returned to the starting XI after illness in the FA Cup third round clash away to the League One side on Monday night.
The Danish forward had some great opportunities to score in the first half, heading an Alejandro Garnacho cross against the crossbar from close range and failing to react to a saved Marcus Rashford shot, poking wide from six yards out.
While he finally opened his Premier League account for the Red Devils in a recent Premier League win over Aston Villa, Hojlund looked very short of confidence in front of goal against the Latics.
Keane was not impressed, though, not allowing the 20-year-old any excuses when his fellow ITV pundits Ian Wright and Roberto Martinez had been more sympathetic,
‘You’re too kind. I’d be fuming with him,’ Keane said to Martinez on ITV.
‘We wanted United to show a side of their game tonight. We wanted United to show a side of their game tonight, they’ve brought their habits from the Premier League into tonight in terms of missing chances, not being clinical. I want to see that side of United tonight.
‘The striker is missing chances, we can say “unlucky” all day, but they’re great opportunities. Put the ball in the back of the net, stop messing about.’
Martinez has been impressed with Hojlund’s commitment and general play, even if he hasn’t been putting the ball in the net on a regular basis yet for the Red Devils.
‘He’s such a committed player, he gives you so much, it would be unfair just to judge him on goals,’ said the former Wigan boss.
‘But of course he’s a number nine for Manchester United there’s a big price tag, you have to score those goals, but he’s not doing anything wrong in those chances. Probably the header he needs to look at the ball, but the others, in a moment of confidence the ball hits you and goes in the back of the net.’
The game finished 2-0 to the Premier League side, with an impressive Diogo Dalot finish and a Bruno Fernandes penalty the difference.
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‘I’d be fuming with him.’