Manchester United’s elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of Fulham has intensified scrutiny over the team’s performances, with Rasmus Hojlund becoming the focal point of criticism.
The Danish striker, who arrived at Old Trafford in a £72 million deal, has faced increasing backlash from fans and analysts due to a series of underwhelming displays. His struggles were particularly evident in the defeat to Fulham, further fueling doubts about his role in the squad.
The fifth-round clash at Old Trafford ended in a dramatic penalty shootout after both sides were locked at 1-1 following extra time. Fulham eventually triumphed 4-3 on penalties, condemning United to yet another disappointing result. The home side’s defensive frailties were on display once again when Calvin Bassey capitalized on their set-piece vulnerabilities to give Fulham the lead just before halftime.
United responded through Bruno Fernandes, who found the equalizer in the 71st minute, but they failed to capitalize on the momentum. The game was ultimately decided in the shootout, where misses from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee ensured Fulham’s progression.
Throughout the match, Hojlund’s lack of impact was noticeable, adding to concerns over his form. The forward has now gone 18 matches without a goal, a worrying statistic that has left supporters questioning whether he should continue leading the line. Against Fulham, he struggled to hold up play, frequently lost possession, and failed to register a meaningful shot on target.
This lackluster performance only added to the frustration among fans, with many taking to social media to express their displeasure. One particularly harsh comment criticized his contribution, questioning why he was even on the pitch and suggesting he should be dropped to the bench. The criticism reflects the growing impatience among supporters, who feel the club made a poor investment in the striker.
Despite the backlash, manager Ruben Amorim has publicly defended Hojlund, urging patience and insisting that the striker’s hard work will eventually pay off. However, Amorim himself is also under increasing pressure, as United’s form has remained inconsistent since his arrival. The FA Cup exit only compounds the scrutiny, particularly with the team struggling in 14th place in the Premier League. This poor domestic performance has raised concerns about the club’s future, both on and off the pitch.
The consequences of United’s struggles extend beyond their on-field performances. Reports suggest the club is facing a financial shortfall of approximately £100 million due to their inability to compete at the highest level and the growing risk of missing out on European football next season. This financial strain could force the club to make difficult decisions regarding player sales, which could further disrupt the squad and hinder their long-term ambitions.
With the FA Cup now out of reach, United must turn their attention to the Europa League, where they face Real Sociedad in a crucial knockout tie. Failure to advance in the competition would leave them at risk of finishing the season without any silverware, further deepening the crisis at Old Trafford.
Amorim remains determined to steer the club back toward success, insisting that the long-term objective is to return United to their former glory in the Premier League. However, the timeline for achieving that goal remains uncertain, and the pressure on both the players and the coaching staff continues to mount.
As the season nears its conclusion, key decisions will need to be made to salvage what remains of United’s campaign. Hojlund’s struggles are just one part of a larger problem, highlighting concerns about the club’s recruitment strategy and overall direction.
Unless significant improvements are made, both on the pitch and behind the scenes, Manchester United risk enduring yet another disappointing season, with long-term repercussions for the squad and management.
