• Danish forward shares that he believes the most underrated player is Manuel Ugarte.
• Hojlund is facing a tough season and has netted only two goals in the Premier League.
• Man Utd's difficulties persist under the leadership of Ruben Amorim.
Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund has identified the teammate he thinks is the most undervalued at Old Trafford – central midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The Red Devils are facing another tough season, as a shift in management has not brought about an improvement in performance. Head coach Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that the rest of the 2024/25 season will be "difficult," although Friday night's 2-1 victory against Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth round provided a momentary relief.
Hojlund's personal season has also been difficult. The 22-year-old, who was signed in July 2023 for £72m, has netted only two Premier League goals in 19 games and has fallen out of the regular starting position in attack.
The Dane is currently on a streak of 14 matches without finding the net in all competitions, and there were even discussions of a possible January departure when the transfer window was active. No proposals were received, but Hojlund needs to start scoring if he is to persuade Amorim that he has a future in the team.
In a Sky Sports interview, Hojlund was asked to identify which of his United teammates fails to receive the recognition they warrant, and he quickly named Ugarte, who transferred last summer from Ligue 1 powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain, as the player who is most overlooked.
"I believe you have noticed it a bit more recently with the arrival of the new manager and how effectively he’s performing," Hojlund clarified. "Clearly, the outcomes haven't been satisfactory, yet he has emerged as a notable player recently." You recognize his caliber; you observe the diligent members in teams who often go unappreciated.
"For instance, Amad [Diallo] has been performing wonderfully lately and is beginning to receive the acknowledgment he deserves."
"However, Manu has also performed exceptionally well." You’re beginning to realize that he’s operating at a different level.
Ugarte had previously collaborated with Amorim at Sporting CP, where he spent two seasons in Portugal before moving to PSG in June 2023. United, continuing under the management of Erik ten Hag, then made a move at the end of August 2024 to acquire the Uruguayan international in a transaction valued at nearly £50m, including possible add-ons.
The 23-year-old has become the primary option in United's midfield, usually teaming up with Kobbie Mainoo or Bruno Fernandes, and has assumed the responsibility of defensive midfield anchor previously held by Casemiro.
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