In the high-stakes world of Premier League football, every shot counts. For a star striker, the ability to consistently test the keeper is the difference between glory and ignominy. Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund is learning that lesson the hard way in a season defined by attacking struggles and precious few goals.
Højlund’s Shooting Woes By The Numbers
The stats paint a stark picture. Among Premier League forwards with at least 1,200 minutes played, the 22-year-old Dane ranks a dismal 140th in shots per 90 minutes at a meager 1.20. That places him behind dozens of defenders and holding midfielders in shooting output, a damning indictment for a center forward at an elite club.
If you don’t shoot, you don’t score. It’s a basic mantra you probably heard from your under-8s coach.
Peer Comparisons Highlight The Issue
Højlund’s numbers pale in comparison to other top Premier League strikers:
- Erling Haaland (Man City): 3.82 shots/90
- Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): 3.26 shots/90
- Darwin Núñez (Liverpool): 2.60 shots/90
- Kai Havertz (Chelsea): 2.54 shots/90
Even accounting for variations in tactics and playing style, Højlund’s anemic output sticks out like a sore thumb. The inescapable conclusion is that United’s #9 simply isn’t getting himself into dangerous positions or pulling the trigger often enough.
Probing The Tactical Roots
Manager Ruben Amorim favors a 3-4-2-1 system that he also deployed at Sporting CP to great effect, with strikers like Viktor Gyökeres racking up over 3.5 shots per 90. This suggests Højlund’s woes are less to do with the formation itself and more about either:
- His movement to get on the end of chances, or
- The quality of service provided by his teammates
There’s clearly a problem here. A central striker who shoots so infrequently either isn’t getting himself into positions to shoot, lacks the confidence to shoot, or plays for a team that doesn’t provide him the right kind of service to get into scoring situations.
– Gabriele Marcotti, ESPN
The Path Forward For United
All is not lost for the Red Devils and their misfiring marksman. At just 22, Højlund has ample time to evolve his game and develop the killer instinct in front of goal that defines the world’s best strikers. The onus is on Amorim to continue refining his system to play to Højlund’s strengths and deliver him the ball in premium locations.
Crucially, United must give their young star a genuine opportunity to shoot his way out of this slump rather than banishing him to the bench at the first sign of struggle. With patience, tactical tweaks, and a boatload of shots, Højlund can still write his name in the Old Trafford history books. But the clock is ticking.
