Michael Owen urges Man United to give Rasmus Hojlund fair chance
Michael Owen spoke to Premier League Productions after Manchester United’s 2‑1 victory over Brentford, urging the club to give Rasmus Hojlund a proper opportunity next season.
The former United forward emphasized that the Danish striker, currently on loan at Napoli, has not yet been judged fairly due to the Red Devils’ previous lack of cohesion.
Hojlund arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2023 for a reported £72 million fee and struggled to adapt, finishing his second season with just four Premier League goals.
Owen argued that the striker’s limited output was more a symptom of a broken team structure than a reflection of his own abilities.
“I don’t care who you play up front, it’s very hard to judge when the team aren’t functioning,” Owen said, highlighting the importance of a functional supply chain for any forward.
He added that a striker is “the end of the chain” and that without adequate service, even the best attackers can appear ineffective.
During his loan spell, Hojlund has thrived under Napoli manager Antonio Conte, scoring ten goals in twenty‑nine Serie A appearances.
Those figures suggest a resurgence in confidence and form that Owen believes could translate back to the Premier League under the right conditions.
Interim United manager Michael Carrick took charge in January and has introduced a more fluid, possession‑based style that has begun to show results.
Owen pointed to the impact of summer signing Benjamin Sesko, whose six goals in twelve appearances illustrate how a functional system can elevate a striker’s output.
Sesko’s winning goal against Brentford was his sixth of the campaign, a statistic that Owen cited as evidence of the improved team dynamics.
The contrast between Sesko’s recent form and Hojlund’s earlier struggles underscores the significance of tactical context for forwards.
Ryan Giggs also weighed in, noting that Hojlund was the sole senior centre‑forward at United during his first year, limiting internal competition.
Giggs suggested that a healthy rivalry between Hojlund and Sesko could restore the competitive edge that United have missed in recent seasons.
Both former players agree that the current squad depth offers a better platform for Hojlund to demonstrate his abilities.
United’s recent performances under Carrick have shown marked improvement, with the team climbing the Premier League table and displaying greater defensive stability.
The tactical shift includes a higher pressing line and more interchangeable forward movements, which could suit Hojlund’s physical presence and link‑up play.
Historically, United have struggled to integrate high‑priced forwards when the midfield fails to create consistent chances.
Owen referenced past signings that underperformed, attributing many of those failures to a lack of service rather than individual shortcomings.
Napoli’s loan agreement contains an obligation‑to‑buy clause of approximately £38 million, triggered if the Italian club qualifies for the Champions League.
Sporting director Giovanni Manna has publicly affirmed Napoli’s intention to retain Hojlund permanently, emphasizing his role in their long‑term project.
If the clause is activated, United’s options to recall the striker would be severely limited, barring a renegotiated transfer.
Should Napoli fail to meet the Champions League qualification threshold, the obligation would lapse, potentially reopening negotiations with Manchester United.
The financial implications of either scenario are significant, as United would need to reassess their forward‑line investments.
United’s current forward roster includes Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and the newly signed Benjamin Sesko, offering a blend of pace, creativity, and aerial threat.
Integrating Hojlund would add a traditional target man to complement the existing attacking options, providing tactical versatility.
From a statistical perspective, Hojlund’s Serie A output compares favorably with his Premier League record, indicating adaptability across leagues.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League (2024‑25) | 34 | 4 |
| Serie A (2025‑26) | 29 | 10 |
Sesko’s recent Premier League contributions are summarized in the table below, highlighting his rapid adaptation to Carrick’s system.
| Player | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Sesko | 12 | 6 |
United’s 2‑1 win over Brentford, secured by Sesko’s decisive strike, lifted the club to 5th place in the league standings.
The result reflects Carrick’s emphasis on quick transitions and exploiting spaces behind the opposition defence.
Owen stressed that a striker’s success is intrinsically linked to the midfield’s ability to maintain possession and create clear‑cut chances.
He argued that United’s recent midfield reinforcements have begun to provide that essential link, which was missing during Hojlund’s initial season.
Conte’s deployment of Hojlund in a two‑forward system at Napoli has allowed the Dane to benefit from regular service from midfield maestro Piotr Zieliński.
This positional consistency contrasts with the sporadic and often isolated role Hojlund experienced at Old Trafford.
United’s current formation under Carrick frequently employs a 4‑2‑3‑1 shape, with the lone striker supported by an attacking midfield trio.
Such a structure could accommodate Hojlund as a focal point, while allowing Sesko to operate on the wing or as a secondary striker.
Both Owen and Giggs highlighted the importance of internal competition to drive performance levels higher across the squad.
The presence of multiple quality forwards can also provide tactical flexibility against varied opposition styles.
From a broader perspective, United’s ability to revive a high‑profile signing like Hojlund would signal a shift in the club’s recruitment philosophy.
It would demonstrate confidence in nurturing talent rather than resorting to immediate sales when short‑term results falter.
Financially, retaining Hojlund would represent a strategic use of the £72 million investment, potentially increasing his market value through improved performances.
Conversely, a permanent transfer to Napoli would recoup a portion of the outlay, though likely at a reduced figure compared with the original fee.
The upcoming summer transfer window will be crucial in determining the striker’s future, with United expected to evaluate squad needs and budget allocations.
Should United choose to recall Hojlund, the club would need to negotiate terms with Napoli, possibly involving a loan extension or a revised purchase clause.
Both former players have made it clear that they would welcome the Danish forward’s return, emphasizing the potential benefits for United’s attacking depth.
United’s fanbase, still yearning for a revival of the club’s historic dominance, may view Hojlund’s reintegration as a positive step toward reclaiming former glories.
In summary, Owen’s call for a “fair crack of the whip” reflects a belief that the right tactical environment can unlock Hojlund’s latent potential.
The convergence of Carrick’s evolving system, Sesko’s emergence, and Hojlund’s renewed confidence in Italy creates a compelling case for a second chance at Old Trafford.
