Michael Owen has urged Manchester United manager Michael Carrick to recall Rasmus Hojlund, insisting the Danish striker could flourish in a side that is finally functioning as a cohesive unit. Hojlund joined United from Atalanta in a £72 million deal in 2024, tasked with leading the attack as the club's only senior centre-forward. After a promising debut campaign, he struggled in his second season, scoring just four Premier League goals.
Hojlund's Loan Spell at Napoli
With United revamping their attack last summer by signing Benjamin Sesko, Hojlund was deemed surplus to requirements and joined Napoli on a season-long loan. In Italy, he rediscovered his form, netting 10 goals in Serie A. The loan deal includes an obligation to buy should Napoli qualify for the Champions League, a condition that may take the decision out of United's hands.
Owen's Verdict
Speaking after United's 2-1 victory over Brentford, Owen told Premier League Productions: 'I don't care who you play up front, it's very hard to judge when the team aren't functioning. Strikers are the end of the chain; if the chain is broken, it's pointless in many ways. I would love to see Hojlund and see what he can do now.'
He added: 'He played in a Manchester United team that was broken and didn't have any links and played poorly. Who's to say he's not really good? He's doing really well in Italy now. Sesko is the same—it was hard to judge but now that chain throughout the team is actually working, you are seeing a different type of player.'
United's Resurgence Under Carrick
Owen also questioned whether United had prematurely written off players in recent years. 'I just wonder how much wastage there has been for many years. Everyone says the purchases have been poor, and that might be the case, but sometimes they might not get a fair crack of the whip because they don't get the service.'
Sesko scored against Brentford as United solidified third place in the Premier League. They need just two points from their remaining four games to secure Champions League football next season. Whether Hojlund will be given a second chance at Old Trafford remains to be seen, but Owen's comments have reignited the debate.
