Peter Schmeichel Backs Rasmus Hojlund to Shine at Manchester United
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has expressed unwavering faith in Rasmus Hojlund, averring the Danish striker has both the gift and internal adaptability to thrive despite a grueling launch at Old Trafford.
Hojlund, who arrived at United from Atalanta in July 2023 for an original£ 64million, a figure that could rise to£ 72million with add-ons, was signed for his implicit rather than a proven track record.
His first season showed flashes of promise, but this crusade has been tougher, with the 22- time-old finding the net just once in his last 28 appearances across all competitions.
Schmeichel, who knows all too well the pressures of wearing the Red Devils jersey, has remained a probative figure for his compatriot since Hojlund’s appearance.
“The boy is very, very talented,” the former goalkeeper told the PA news agency ahead of United’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Sunday.
“He’s like every other player in that squad, of course, short of confidence. Everyone. This is the big thing. Once you don’t win games, the confidence levels drop, so it’s been a tough one.
“I mean, he will come through it. He’s so strong mentally. He will come through it. He’s got really, really good support from his family as well, and I know what he can do.
“Hopefully there’s a bit of success left in this team, and you bring that into your break, you come back in a different frame of mind, new season.
“I’m convinced that he’s still a very, very valuable player for Manchester United.”
It was always a bold move to place Hojlund in the spotlight so quickly. Expectations have been high, with limited striking options and inconsistent goal contributions from teammates adding extra pressure.
Schmeichel believes it would be unfair to lay the blame solely at Hojlund’s feet. He insists that the Red Devils’ difficulties are a collective issue and hopes a strong run in the Europa League can rescue the season.
“He’s a number nine,” he said. “Number nines need service. It’s not always been the case in this team.
“The service has not been great, but it’s been everyone, so just singling out a player, I think, is wrong. Football is a team game, and you win and lose as a team. I know it’s clichés and all that, but that is the truth.
“When you have an off day, which, when playing for Man United, you shouldn’t really have too many of them, the rest of the team should be in such a confident mood that they will carry you through.
“But this is not happening for anyone in this squad, and it’s just one of them. There are too many things, too many changes in a short period of time.
“The good thing is that we still have the Europa League, so we can still dream about the Champions League, and if that happen,s it’s all going to change in the summer, and this is where we pin our hopes now.”
Off the pitch, Schmeichel remains nearly connected to Manchester United. He returned to Old Trafford in June 2025 to share in Soccer Aid for UNICEF, an event he said was close to his heart.
“It’s always great to be there,” he added. “It’s always great to see people that you’ve known for so many years. That place is a special place to me. There’s no doubt about it.
“Soccer Aid is really important and I like the whole concept of what UNICEF is doing, so I am really looking forward to it.”
Soccer Aid for UNICEF took place at Old Trafford on June 15. Adult tickets start at £20, with junior tickets from £10. More information is available at soccerAid.org.uk.
Schmeichel, who knows all too well the pressures of wearing the Red Devils jersey, has remained a supportive figure for his compatriot since Hojlund’s arrival, much like Wales navigating their own high-profile football decisions, such as dismissing Team GB Olympic plans ahead of LA 2028.
