Peter Schmeichel backs ‘very talented’ Rasmus Hojlund to succeed at Man Utd

Peter Schmeichel is convinced Rasmus Hojlund has the talent and mental toughness to come through his challenging spell at Manchester United.

The Red Devils went for potential over a proven asset when signing the highly-rated Denmark striker from Atalanta in July 2023 in a £64million deal that could reach £72million with add-ons.

Hojlund showed promising flashes during his first season but has stuttered this term, with the 22-year-old scoring just once in his last 28 club appearances in all competitions.

Schmeichel knows the pressures that come with playing for United as well as anyone and has helped support his compatriot since moving to Old Trafford, where he is certain Hojlund will prove his worth.

“The boy is very, very talented,” the former goalkeeper told the PA news agency ahead of United’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth on Sunday.

“He’s like every other player in that squad – of course short of confidence. Everyone. This is the big thing. Once you don’t win games, the confidence levels drop so it’s been a tough one.

“I mean, he will come through it. He’s so strong mentally. He will come through it. He’s got really, really good support from his family as well and I know what he can do.

“Hopefully there’s a bit of success left in this team, and you bring that into your break, you come back in a different frame of mind, new season.

“I’m convinced that he’s still a very, very valuable player for Manchester United.”

It was always a big ask to throw Hojlund in and hope he flourished, with the weight of expectation compounded by the paucity of other striking options and goal output from team-mates.

Schmeichel says it is wrong to pin it all on one player and hopes United’s poor campaign can be salvaged by Europa