Rio Ferdinand makes Ruud van Nistelrooy point as he gives verdict on Man United's Rasmus Hojlund

Former centre-back Rio Ferdinand has sympathised with Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund following his slow start to life at Old Trafford.

Following his arrival from Italian club Atalanta in the summer, the Dane has scored just three goals in his first 13 appearances, all of which have arrived in the Champions League. Saturday's 1-0 win over Fulham marked his eighth Premier League game without scoring.

The 20-year-old was substituted after 79 minutes at Craven Cottage, resulting in him producing a visibly frustrated response. It was the third league game in a row that he had been withdrawn ahead of the final whistle.

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Despite his struggles in front of goal, most United supporters are backing the Dane, blaming his lack of goals on limited opportunities being created for him by his teammates. The Reds' wingers are simply not doing enough to create chances.

And that is why Ferdinand feels for the Denmark international, who could end up costing United up to £72million with add-ons. Ferdinand compared the situation to one he witnessed during his career at Old Trafford involving Ruud van Nistelrooy and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ferdinand, speaking on Vibe with Five, said: "Hojlund is not a player who is going to get the ball, beat three people and score a goal. He isn't that guy. He might run from the halfway line if you put him in, chase the ball, run down the centre halves and score like that, like he did in the Champions League.

"He needs to be there on the end of things. [Alejandro] Garnacho wants to cross the ball, but Antony doesn't want to cross