Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand reveals why Manchester United and Denmark forward Rasmus Hojlund lacks goals in his country side

Kasper Hjulmand, the head coach of Denmark’s national football team, remains positive about Rasmus Hojlund’s current scoring challenges, viewing them as a temporary issue rather than a significant problem. Hojlund, who joined Manchester United from Atalanta for a hefty £72 million in the summer of 2023, was heralded as a forward with the potential to become one of Europe’s top strikers.

Despite a slow start in the Premier League, where he did not score his first goal until December, Hojlund found his stride in 2024, finishing the season with an impressive 16 goals across all competitions. His debut year in England set high expectations for his performance in Denmark’s squad for the upcoming European Championship in Germany this summer.

During the Euro 2024 qualifiers, the 21-year-old striker was instrumental, netting seven goals to help Denmark clinch the top spot in their group. However, in recent times, Hojlund has struggled to maintain this momentum, scoring only once in his last eight international matches. Addressing these concerns, Manager Hjulmand reassured fans and critics alike, stating, “Scoring comes in phases. There will be times when you go through a phase of scoring lots of goals.”

Hjulmand further highlighted Hojlund’s overall contributions on the pitch, emphasizing his consistent impact despite the recent goal drought. “Rasmus consistently makes a significant impression in every game. He remains exceptionally dangerous and determined, which is crucial,” Hjulmand noted, suggesting that with persistence and effort, the goals will eventually come.

Despite his recent scoring struggles, Hojlund is set to start in Denmark’s opening Euro 2024 match against Slovenia on Sunday afternoon, a clear indication of the team’s confidence in his abilities. Alongside Hojlund, another key player in Denmark’s lineup, Christian Eriksen, spoke about his remarkable recovery from a cardiac arrest suffered during a match in 2021, during a press conference ahead of the tournament.

Reflecting on his journey, Eriksen shared, “It’s been three years, and a lot has happened since then, so honestly, I don’t think about it daily. I focus on the positives and how excited I am to play football.” Eriksen expressed gratitude for the support he received during his recovery and highlighted the positive developments since the incident, including Denmark’s impressive run to the semi-finals of the last European Championship.

Looking to the future, Eriksen acknowledged that after the European Championship concludes, he will have one year remaining on his contract with Manchester United, hinting at potential considerations for his career beyond Old Trafford. Since joining United on a free transfer in 2022, Eriksen has made 72 appearances, playing a crucial role in strengthening their midfield.

As Denmark gears up for their Euro 2024 campaign, Hojlund and Eriksen represent significant narratives within the team – the promise of an emerging talent and the resilience of a seasoned player overcoming adversity. Their performances in the tournament will not only shape Denmark’s prospects but also influence their individual paths in club football moving forward.