The Dane was clearly unhappy when he was subbed off against Fulham (Picture: Getty)
Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United must do more to provide Rasmus Hojlund with the service he craves, while Joe Cole ‘absolutely loved’ his unhappy reaction to being subbed off against Fulham.
The Danish striker – who is yet to score in the Premier League – did not muster a single shot on goal at Craven Cottage and was withdrawn in the 79th minute with his side still in need of a winner.
Hojlund looked far from happy when his number was put up on the board, shaking his head as he walked off, and had a little moan as he took his seat on the bench.
Although United went on to grab a stoppage-time winner through skipper Bruno Fernandes, Ferdinand feels they need to start getting their marquee summer signing into the game more and play to his strengths.
Speaking on TNT Sports, the former United defender said: ‘I wish we’d had a bit more time with Erik ten Hag [to discuss Hojlund] because he’s invested in a player we’re not seeing the best of.
‘His best attributes are not being seen because the team aren’t playing to his strengths.
‘He [Ten Hag] said in his press conferences we want to play a bit more direct with players like Hojlund and Rashford who can play on the counter. Too many times they get wide and the quality is nowhere near good enough.
‘Antony doesn’t want to cross it, his first instinct is to see what he can do for himself. Marcus is more of a striker who wants to get on the end of things and see if he can finish.
Hojlund had a frustrating afternoon at Craven Cottage (Picture: Getty)
‘When he’s making his movements the ball is being delayed and isn’t coming into the areas. He made one fantastic run in the first half and he was screaming for the ball and it ended up being a bad cross from Garnacho.
‘The sooner they get the ball in the box for this guy, he makes good enough runs. Play to his strengths.
‘He’s not old enough to grab a few people and say get the ball into me guys. He’s not go that and I wouldn’t expect that yet. Ruud van Nistelrooy, you didn’t cross the ball for him and I see players resorted to tears because of his demands.’
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Fellow pundit Cole did not mind Hojlund’s reaction to being subbed off, saying: ‘First of all him being disappointed and growling at the manager when he gets brought off I absolutely love it because that’s what you want as a manager.
‘You don’t want to overstep the line but you can be disappointed. He’s got to just grow into the role.
‘He’s not going to score hat-tricks week in week out, playing a bit more direct will help him. They never look forward early enough and he does make some good runs but it will come I’m sure.’
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The Dane was clearly livid when he was subbed off against Fulham.