Deeney claims Hojlund isn't Man United's main problem despite big 'frustration'

The misfiring Dane has netted just seven times in 36 appearances across all competitions this term.

However, his barren run in front of goal is somewhat emblematic of the Red Devils' struggles in recent months as they sit a lowly 14th in the Premier League.

Given United forked out £72million to bring Hojlund to Old Trafford from Atalanta in July 2023, his 19-game goal drought should sound major alarm bells and signal he may not be the right man to lead the line.

But Deeney believes the blame cannot land squarely on the 22-year-old's shoulders and believes Hojlund's struggles stem from a lack of attacking verve across United's forward options.

"I feel sorry for him because in those 19 games, I don't remember a chance that you go, 'Oh, he should have scored that,'" Deeney told talkSPORT.com.

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"The chances he's getting are kind of iffy chances."

Deeney added: "The final quality's not been great, not just for him but Manchester United on a whole. I think there's a lot he can do and improve on, but I don't think it's right to go, 'He's the problem.'

"I think as an attacking force, they've been relatively poor this year."

Even if Hojlund has not benefited from a solid amount of service via his teammates, a goal drought as lengthy as his could prove to be a major psychological challenge to overcome.

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Deeney, like all strikers, endured his fair share of spells without scoring throughout his career.

But there was one training drill Deeney used to do with Chelsea icon and former Watford manager Gianfranco Zola that left him 'humiliated' but proved pivotal in changing his goalscoring fortunes.

Manchester United's top Premier League goalscorers this season

It is perhaps something Hojlund could adopt, if he hasn't already, should his misfortune in front of goal continue.

"If lads went through spells of not scoring, we'd strip it down to its basics and do shooting drills with no goalie," Deeney said.

"Now as a player, you'd hate that because you kind of feel a bit humiliated.

"But you get used to hitting the back of the net again, then you bring the goalie in."

Deeney also pointed out goals are often borne from confidence on the pitch and is largely down to the individual in question.

However, the former Watford hero does not believe a player at United needs that confidence to come from external sources.

Instead, the mere fact of playing for a club of that stature should be enough.

"I believe confidence is based on you, confidence is for myself," Deeney said.

"But a lot of the new players, everyone pussyfoots around and makes them feel like they're the best thing since sliced bread.

"Go and earn it. You play for Manchester United, it's the biggest club in world football. F****** strap your big boy pants on and get after it."

Another United forward who has endured a rough patch of late is Joshua Zirkzee, who joined in the summer from Bologna.

Jeered by his own fans after being hauled off in the first half of a clash against Newcastle, Zirkzee also missed a penalty during the shootout that sealed the Red Devils' exit from the FA Cup against Fulham.

Andy Goldstein & Darren Bent discuss Rasmus Højlund's recent POOR form for Manchester United

However, the Dutchman rebounded and scored for United in their 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the Europa League last Thursday.

Deeney noted Zirkzee has 'showed character' since the infamous substitution against Newcastle.

But Deeney did not hold back when it came to pointing out his biggest gripe with Zirkzee and Hojlund as he offered some sage advice for the pair.

"Both of them, I want them to shoot but f****** act like you're going to score," Deeney said.

"They shoot hoping that they're going to score, like, 'If I kicked this at the goal, hopefully it takes a deflection and it goes in.'

"Go and make it happen, go and get it done. That would be my frustration with the two of them."

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Deeney added: "Wrap it in, have a bit of confidence. If you miss, so what? People think you're crap anyway.

"If you score, you score. But go with the intention of trying to score."