Rasmus Hojlund still hasn’t scored a goal for Manchester United in the Premier League as Christmas approaches. Even though Hojlund was a long-term investment at £72 million when he joined United from Atalanta in the summer, nobody could have guessed that he would go until 2024 without scoring in the league.

Hojlund has five goals in Europe, but at home things haven’t worked out. The more time passes without a first league goal, the more of a talking point it becomes and the already immense weight is placed on his young shoulders.

Hojlund shouldn’t have been the lone striker brought in; a more seasoned forward ought to have arrived with him. Hojlund scored just nine league goals for Atalanta in the season before to his signing.

Hojlund was signed by United in lieu of a more experienced goal scorer. Erik ten Hag was supported by the club to turn him into a diamond, but the approach was risky and his growth would undoubtedly take time.

Hojlund is undoubtedly equipped with all the skills necessary to thrive in the Premier League in the future, but right now he is having trouble, and watching him plod off the field against West Ham made it difficult to feel sorry for him.

Just before the hour mark, Hojlund was substituted by Marcus Rashford at the London Stadium. When questioned about the switch during his news conference, Ten Hag said he had been sick during the week.

“I think he’s a very strong character and he can deal with the stress,” Ten Hag stated. “I shielded him in that sense by taking him off when he was sick throughout the week, which resulted in a slight lack of power.

“We have two more games to play this week, but nobody should feel sorry for themselves. We must accept accountability. Everyone on the Manchester United team must work together and assume accountability if they want to succeed.”