Dimitar Berbatov has advised Rasmus Hojlund to stop being overly nice with his Manchester United teammates if he wants to meet the expectations set for him at the club. The Red Devils saw the Danish striker's potential. They signed him with the expectation that with further development at Carrington, he would one day emerge as the best striker the Premier League has to offer.
During his debut season at United, he scored 16 goals in 43 appearances. The former Atalanta forward's start to the season wasn't great; his pre-season injury saw him sidelined for the first few games.
Hojlund returned recently and has since netted two goals in six games. Last Sunday, United beat Brentford 2-1; his goal—a beautifully dinked finish against the Bees—prompted pundits and columnists such as The Independent's Richard Jolly to suggest that he was pivotal to the Reds' resurgence.
Dimitar Berbatov advises Rasmus Hojlund Not to be Manchester United's Mr Nice Guy
Well, if Hojlund is to be a game-changer for Manchester United, Berbatov, who scored 56 goals in 149 games for the club, has acknowledged that he needs to stop being Mr Nice Guy to his teammates on the pitch. In a conversation with Reds legend Rio Ferdinand on his Vibe with FIVE podcast, the former Premier League striker urged the Dane to demand more from his teammates.
Berbatov contends that the Dane should express frustration when he isn't played the ball, as he observes that the United players often fail to capitalise on his excellent runs and positioning:
"I think as a striker he needs to be more demanding and arguing, not being so nice. Pushing the buttons of some of the players around him. 'Give me the ball, asking for the ball, when the ball is not coming. I can see he was making some runs behind the defence and nobody was seeing him. That should make him angry."
🤔 What would Dimitar Berbatov say to Rasmus Højlund to help him at #MUFC?
— Rio Ferdinand Presents (@FIVEUK) October 21, 2024
CC: @rioferdy5 pic.twitter.com/QRAWddhkFf
Red Devil Armada Verdict
Yes, Hojlund should demand more from his teammates; being the nice guy won't lead him to success. That said, Manchester United's creativity is a concern, and Bruno Fernandes's struggles have exacerbated this. In the match against Brentford, particularly during the second half, there were signs of United beginning to find their rhythm in attack, implementing their high press effectively.
It is hoped that the victory against Brentford, which had the United attack of Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Hojlund working in tandem, can serve as a foundation for improved performances going forward. Under Ruud Van Nistelrooy's guidance, there is every reason to believe that this United attack can reach its potential. The summer return of the United legend surely promises brighter days for the Red Devils attacking lineup.