Rasmus Hojlund responds as Man Utd critic makes 'disturbing' comment about striker

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has privately messaged a supporter on Instagram after a critical post blasting Erik ten Hag's decision to sign him. The 21-year-old isn't scoring frequently enough, sparking backlash from an increasingly agitated fanbase during one of the club's worst-ever starts to a season.

Hojlund has scored 23 times in 64 games since sealing a dream £72million switch from Atalanta last summer and was United's top goalscorer in his debut season, netting 16.

He boasts a prolific record in European competition, registering 10 goals in 12 appearances across the Champions League and Europa League since landing at Old Trafford.

But just 12 of his goals have come in the Premier League, with just two of them in 13 such games this term as United languish in 14th.

And some of his criticism clearly struck a nerve on Friday night, prompting the Denmark international to hit back via a direct message.

An Instagram user named 'utdfamee' shared an X post from @sulkfenomeno, which read: "Hojlund is only at this club because he shared the same agency as Ten Hag. Not because of his footballing ability.

"People know this, yet they still think he's this talent that's going to come good. He's part of the biggest footballing scandals of this century. £72m, you know [crying emojis]."

The Instagram user, utdfamee, ranted in his caption: "Erik ten Hag needs to be trialled in court for the signing of Rasmus Højlund.

"Lock him up and throw away the key. When your starting No. 9's most notorious attribute is whining his backside on defenders, you know you're in trouble.

"The TL will bring up the fact that he doesn't get service, but that's what happens when you can't anticipate or position yourself into those goalscoring areas.

"The trampoline touch and lack of hold-up play, too? The £72m package has never looked so limited."

Hojlund didn't take kindly to the post, responding privately: "Hi, I find your post a bit disturbing, mate.

"You are right to have your opinion, but stop talking about things you know nothing about. That is all."

The Red Devils reportedly acknowledged that they were recruiting for the long-term in Italy a year ago, knowing Hojlund was arriving in England as a raw talent.

However, goals have been a problem. Marcus Rashford failed to build on his career-best 30-goal season in 2022/23, while Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Amad's returns have also been diminutive.

Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee is struggling to adapt from his own switch from the Serie A. The combined problem has naturally aimed the spotlight at United's No. 9, Hojlund.