Manchester United went from being a team that had almost two world-class players for each position to a team that lacks even one now in most positions. One of United’s incessant problems has been the number 9 spot. For years, United does not have a striker who can rack up over 20 goals each season. Is Rasmus Hojlund the solution to that problem?
If you ask a United fan, who was the last number 9 that we had who was good enough to put on a United shirt for years? The answer will most likely be Robin Van Persie. The Dutch striker, however, left the club almost a decade ago. He helped United win their last league title which was in the 2012/13 season.
It was an iconic season. Sir Alex Ferguson‘s last dance, RVP choosing to wear the #20 shirt because he foresaw he’d help the club win their 20th title, and most devastatingly for Arsenal fans, he scored against them and earned a guard of honor from his former teammates.
Manchester United tried to solve the problem with players who were past their prime
What has United’s #9 scenario been since the departure of Robin Van Persie? Old players, short-term solutions, not good enough. Most importantly- not the level Manchester United aspires to be.
Manchester United attempted to address their striker issue by signing seasoned players including Radamel Falcao, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Odion Ighalo, Edinson Cavani, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Falcao joined on loan in 2014 on the transfer deadline day. However, he struggled with injuries and his loan move was considered to be a flop. Ibrahimović arrived in 2016 and injected leadership. His fantastic announcement of joining the Premier League club still stands out. He brought in the charisma and the United swagger emulated by Eric Cantona and Roy Keane but was short-lived due to injury.
Time to let the world know. My next destination is @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/DAK7iYlrCq
— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) June 30, 2016
Cavani, signed in 2020, brought experience and a prolific goal-scoring record. Ighalo’s loan signing in 2020 was initially seen as a temporary solution but he stayed till 2021. Ronaldo, a former United star, returned in 2021, aiming to rejuvenate the team’s attacking force. But, he left the club on bad terms creating even more problems.
United’s strategy of recruiting established strikers aimed to provide immediate impact and mentorship to younger talents. While each player brought unique attributes, the approach also drew criticism for lacking a long-term vision. Despite occasional successes, such as Cavani’s heart and Ronaldo’s immaculate finishing, the reliance on aging strikers raised concerns about far-sighted planning.
United’s short-term focus and failure to cultivate a consistent striking force for the future was evident. While these signings showcased the club’s ambition and financial power (and also lack of structure), they underscored the need for strategic recruitment to address the perennial striker problem effectively.
What happened to Manchester United’s initial long-term plan – Anthony Martial?
Anthony Martial won the Golden Boy award before he made his move to Manchester United. He was promising. He was supposed to be the solution. However, the inconsistencies in his performances have been unbearable. The number of goals he has scored per season in the Premier League since joining in the 2015/16 season are 11, 4, 9, 10, 17, 4, 1 (half a season on loan to Sevilla), and 6.
It is difficult to blame him alone considering inconsistencies were a theme all around him. There was a lack of a holding midfielder, a quality center-back, and many more spots for years. Not to forget, United also had the most ‘On his day’ player ever – Paul Pogba. On his day, Pogba was the best outfield player in the team. But, mostly, it was not his day, and he was a problem.
Martial, Pogba’s national teammate, was similar. On some days, he would come up with the coldest finishes. His hold-up play and build-up play was immaculate. His runs were on point. But, unfortunately, those days lacked frequency. It took a little time and a lot of money on wages but United realized he was not the long-term solution for the #9 problem.
Special Mention: Another United acquisition that was thought to be the solution was Romelu Lukaku. He was a great striker and scored some important goals for the club. He was a Jose Mourinho player and it seemed like he wouldn’t work out otherwise. The Belgian felt like a much better bet than Martial to solve the problem. But, it was not meant to be.
Has Manchester United found the solution in Rasmus Hojlund?
The need for a new striker arose when Martial just kept staying out of play because of injury. The injury-prone Frenchman was replaced by a young Dane who was expected to solve the problem like he was. Rasmus Hojlund joined The Red Devils from Atalanta BC.
The Dane joined Atalanta from Sturm Graz at the age of 19 for around $18 million in 2022. In the summer of 2023, just a year into his Atalanta career, he was transferred to United at a price of over $80 million. In United’s case, it is always difficult to interpret if the player’s stock shot up or if United just overpaid. In Rasmus Hojlund’s case, his market value did shoot up but United did overpay as well.
Rasmus Hojlund is a RED! ✍️🔴#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 5, 2023
Rasmus Hojlund played 41 games for Atalanta and scored 16 goals. Not United’s level for sure. However, the potential is what United and Erik ten Hag were finally looking at. Rasmus Hojlund is tall, he is strong, and he possesses a strong left foot. He is fast and agile. The Dane is just 21 years old and has the potential of the world.
After a slow start to his PL season, he went on to score goals for fun. The problem behind him persists. He is still one of the strikers who have received the least service but he is somehow making use of the scraps. The good sign for United is that the youngster is making a difference. He is showing signs of a proper #9.
It is still a bit early to call with INEOS’ inclusion in transfer decisions. If United sign good players all across the field and provide Rasmus Hojlund with the support he needs. The Dane looks the closest United have come to solving the #9 problem.