Jamie Carragher names big-money Man Utd star who is 'starting to look a player'
Manchester United have shelled out huge fees on a series of players in recent seasons, with many going on to struggle though Jamie Carragher believes one star is finally proving his worth
by Jacob Leeks · The MirrorJamie Carragher believes Rasmus Hojlund is finally starting to live up to his £72million price tag.
Manchester United shelled out the huge fee on the striker in the summer transfer window of 2023. He scored 16 goals in his debut campaign and showed some bright moments in what was an awful season for Erik ten Hag's men.
Unfortunately for the Dane, he suffered a hamstring injury in pre-season, which has restricted him to just six appearances thus far. But he is beginning to get up to speed, scoring against Porto in the Europa League, before notching the winner against Brentford on Saturday.
Carragher has certainly been impressed with the 21-year-old and believes he is now on the right track. The Liverpool legend picked out Hojlund's performance against Porto in particular as evidence he is finally starting to become a top striker.
"Hojlund, I think he’s starting to look a player. I was really impressed with him in Porto a couple of weeks ago, he put a real shift in," Carragher told Monday Night Football when analysing the United game. "There’s real talent in the front three, but the man who gets the winning goal, I think he’s starting to look a player. We talk about Marcus Rashford being better suited on the left, but he played on the right [against Brentford].
"I think it’s one of his best games we’ve seen. Garnacho on the left side scores a great goal. I think the combination of that front three is maybe something that can keep them going."
HAVE YOUR SAY! How should Manchester United line up against Fenerbahce? Comment below.
Hojlund's goal on Saturday came with a delicious chip over Bees keeper Mark Flekken. He credited Ruud van Nistelrooy with helping him improve, with the Dutchman having joined United as an assistant coach in the summer.
"I don't want to be compared to him. We're learning off him and working very close with him is a big, big step for me and I can develop a lot. All of us in the front clicked very well," Hojlund told MUTV. "It was very good to play with all the lads from the beginning at Old Trafford, I've really missed it. Obviously, having an injury in the beginning of the season and now being 100 per cent fit is a very good experience.
"I'm just trying to bring everything I can every time I step onto the pitch, especially here.It was just about trying to not fight too much with the defenders. I had a good situation where I spun him.
"I kept trying to do that, focusing on getting the ball down to the feet, holding it and playing from there. It worked very well and I’m very pleased with the team's and my own performance."
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package
£43 (was £52)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.