Manchester United coaches are losing patience with striker Rasmus Hojlund amid his prolonged goal drought.
Hojlund has not scored in the last 16 games and one United coaching staff member was particularly scathing of the 22-year-old's performance in the 1-0 defeat at Tottenham eight days ago.
With United 2-0 down at Everton on Saturday, Hojlund was replaced by the 17-year-old Chido Obi, making only his second appearance for the club.
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There was a loud cheer from the away end when Hojlund went off in the 70th minute and some supporters in attendance have suggested they were in response to Hojlund's removal as much as Obi's introduction. United scored twice within ten minutes of Hojlund's substitution.
The reaction was in stark contrast to the boos that greeted Hojlund's substitution on his full debut for United against Brighton in September 2023. United sources maintain staff are encouraging Hojlund during training sessions.
United head coach Ruben Amorim decisively hooked Hojlund after he lost an aerial duel in the 3-1 comeback win against Southampton last month. Amorim has not concealed his frustration with Hojlund - and other United players - on the touchline during games.
Hojlund received the number nine shirt at the start of the season but has scored seven goals, with only two coming in the Premier League. He has failed to register in 27 of the 33 United matches he has appeared in this season.
United signed Hojlund for £64million rising to £72m from Atalanta in July 2023, having initially insisted they would not pay more than £60m for the Denmark international. Hojlund switched to the SEG International agency that represents former United manager Erik ten Hag prior to the transfer.
Hojlund had a respectable first campaign, scoring 16 goals in 2023-24, but his meek performances and United's current goal difference of -7 make a move for a more prolific striker in the summer inevitable.
Since Amorim took charge in November, Hojlund has completed 90 minutes only five times and he has been substituted on ten occasions.
