Manchester United dug deep against a 10-man Bournemouth to claim a crucial point on the road in Sunday’s Premier League showdown.
Heading into Thursday’s Europa League semi-final on the back of a loss would’ve been detrimental to the side’s morale in the build-up to their most pivotal fixture of the campaign thus far.
While the Reds’ showing at Vitality Stadium left much to be desired prior to Evanilson’s sending-off, it adds a crucial point to the board amidst what is now certain to go down as United’s worst-ever Premier League finish on record.
The equaliser, which came in the sixth minute of added time following unrelenting United pressure, was scored by none other than Rasmus Hojlund, who found the back of the net for just the second time in the top flight since the turn of the year – and for only the fourth time in the 29 appearances he’s made this season.
Daniel Sturridge: There’s a player in Hojlund
His lacklustre form has been a major area of concern for the Old Trafford faithful and, no doubt, for Ruben Amorim, too, although he will always rally behind his player in the media, as should be the case.
Back in August 2023, the club shelled out a whopping £64 million to sign the then-20-year-old from Atalanta on a five-year deal – also pledging an additional £8m in add-ons to get the deal over the line.
Hojlund was awarded the No.9 shirt after his maiden term due to Anthony Martial’s release but has since failed to look anything like a prolific goalscorer who’s capable of providing the goals United so desperately need.
Daniel Sturridge is of the belief Hojlund has in it in him, though. Ahead of kick-off yesterday, the ex-Liverpool forward said on Sky Sports: “There’s something in there; he is not a bad player. He has talent and maybe the setup he is in now isn’t allowing him to flourish.”
Then, after the Danish international was in the right place at the right time to fire home from point-blank range and clinch a point down South, Sturridge added post-match: “You can see he’s got the capability. His movement is very good in the box. He’s positioned himself perfectly, stays just onside and gets the right connection on the ball.”
