Bruno Fernandes Urges Hojlund to Embrace Pressure as Man United’s Leading Striker

Bruno Fernandes Urges Team Support for Struggling Hojlund as Man Utd Fight for Redemption
By Chris Wheeler | Updated: 12:05 BST, 28 April 2025

Fernandes emphasized collective responsibility for Man Utd’s goal-scoring struggles.

Rasmus Hojlund’s late equalizer against Bournemouth on Sunday offered a glimmer of hope in a challenging season for Manchester United. The Danish striker, who has scored just twice in over 31 hours of play, remains under intense scrutiny following his £72 million move from Atalanta. While the goal ended a prolonged drought, teammate Bruno Fernandes stressed that the burden of scoring must not fall solely on Hojlund’s shoulders.

Pressure and Perspective
Fernandes acknowledged the weight of expectation on Hojlund as United’s No. 9 but urged fans to consider the broader context. “It’s been a tough season for everyone,” he said. “We can’t hide behind Rasmus not scoring enough. The entire team needs to contribute.” The Portuguese midfielder highlighted the need for consistency from all attacking players, including Alejandro Garnacho, Mason Mount, and Amad Diallo, to ease the pressure on the 22-year-old.

Hojlund’s late strike salvaged a point for United, but his struggles mirror the team’s wider issues.

The Spotlight of Leadership
Hojlund’s position as a central striker at a club of United’s stature comes with inevitable scrutiny. Fernandes noted, “At United, the No. 9 is always under the spotlight. You must be prepared for that pressure.” However, he emphasized the importance of tactical awareness, urging teammates to adapt their play to maximize Hojlund’s strengths: “We need to understand each other’s movements. Not every player can make the same pass, so we must adjust.”

Europa League: A Glimmer of Redemption?
With United languishing in the Premier League and facing a battle to avoid a shock relegation battle, Thursday’s Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao offers a lifeline. A victory could secure Champions League qualification, but Fernandes downplayed its significance: “It won’t ‘save’ our season, but winning the Europa League would be a crucial achievement.”

Fernandes stressed the need for unity as United prepare for a pivotal Europa League clash.

The Road Ahead
As United navigate a turbulent season, Fernandes’ message is clear: collective responsibility and resilience are key. While Hojlund’s development remains a priority, the team’s ability to rally around him—and rediscover their scoring touch—will determine their fate in both domestic and European competitions.

Follow live updates on United’s Europa League clash with Athletic Bilbao this Thursday.

Images: Getty | Captions by Daily Mail Sports

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