MANCHESTER UNITED players are reportedly avoiding passing to Rasmus Hojlund due to concerns over his form.
The £72million striker, 21, has netted 14 goals in his debut season at Old Trafford.
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But Hojlund has hit the target just once his last 10 outings.
And his dip in form has coincided with a woeful run of results of United.
Erik ten Hag’s side now look set to miss out on European football unless they triumph against Man City in the FA Cup final.
A lack of firepower has seen them win just two of their last nine games.
And the Manchester Evening News claims some United players are now actively opting against passing to Hojlund in matches amid fears he will fumble in front of goal.
There are no suggestions that the striker’s place is in doubt for Wednesday’s game against Newcastle.
But the stats show that some players have indeed been playing less passes to Hojlund in recent games.
Opta, via the Mail, revealed Alejandro Garnacho, Scott McTominay and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have all decreased their passes to Hojlund in the Dane’s last eight games compared to his first 20.
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While Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Sofyan Amrabat all appear to be actively trying to find Hojlund more than ever.
Posting after Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal, Hojlund posted on Instagram: “Tough times at the moment. But we will grow from this.”
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Meanwhile, former United captain Wayne Rooney claimed some players are not putting in 100 per cent effort on the field.
He said: “I think the players have to look at themselves, when you’ve got a manager talking about attitudes and players not being right to play for Manchester United, that’s a massive insult.
“If I see my manager saying that, there’s no way I would let that ride and ride until the end of the season.
“I think some players are just trying to get to the end of the season, that’s my opinion on it. So I feel for him, but that’s his job to make sure the players are right.”
Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
Michael Owen – He has to go
“He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
“If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”