As Christmas approaches, Rasmus Hojlund has yet to register a Premier League goal for Manchester United. Despite the long-term nature of that £72 million investment, nobody predicted that United would be without a league goal by 2024 after acquiring Hojlund from Atalanta in the summer.

Despite scoring five goals in Europe, Hojlund has failed to connect domestically. The longer it goes without a first-league goal, the more attention it attracts, and the strain is already too much for his young shoulders to bear.

Hojlund, who scored nine league goals for Atalanta in the season prior to his signing, should not have been the only striker acquired; he should have been accompanied by a more seasoned forward.

Instead of signing a proven goalscorer, United acquired Hojlund. Although the club supported Erik ten Hag’s plan to transform him into a diamond despite the risky move, his progress was always expected to be gradual.

Despite the undeniable potential for Hojlund to achieve success in the Premier League in the future, he is presently encountering difficulties and it was difficult not to feel regretful for him as he hobbled off the field in opposition to West Ham.

Hojlund was substituted for Marcus Rashford at the London Stadium just before the hour mark, and when queried about the substitution at his press conference, Ten Hag confirmed he had been ill throughout the week.

“I think he’s a very strong character and he can deal with the stress,” Ten Hag commented. “I removed him during the week because he was ill, resulting in a slight lack of power; therefore, I protected him in that regard.”

“We still have two games remaining this week, but nobody can blame us for our predicament.” We must accept full culpability. “To play for Manchester United, one must collaborate and accept accountability and responsibility for one’s actions.”