“Your Downfall at hand” – Ferdinand warns £64m Man United new boy not to follow £88.5m Chelsea flop

Rasmus Hojlund’s impressive debut for Manchester United has garnered widespread praise, with notable figures in the football world lauding his potential. However, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has issued a word of caution, drawing a parallel to Chelsea’s £88.5 million flop, Mykhailo Mudryk.

Hojlund’s debut was nothing short of dynamic, earning accolades from Gary Neville, Match of the Day pundits, and MUTV analysts alike. In fact, his performance was so impactful that some argued he should have been awarded a penalty during the game.

While many are excited about Hojlund’s debut, Paul Merson remains skeptical, pointing out that initial impressions can sometimes be deceiving. He expressed concern that Hojlund might follow a similar trajectory as Mykhailo Mudryk, who initially impressed for Chelsea but has since struggled to make an impact, failing to score a Premier League goal since his £88.5 million arrival in January.

Merson commented, “Rasmus Hojlund looked good – a right handful. But that was for 20 minutes. I saw Mykhailo Mudryk for 20 minutes at Liverpool in January and I haven’t seen him since.”

Despite Merson’s reservations, it’s important to recognize that Hojlund’s potential is genuine. While early goals could certainly boost his confidence, there’s no need for the striker to fret excessively. As he gains more playing time, the goals will inevitably come.

Even in the absence of goals, Hojlund’s overall performance on the pitch enhanced Manchester United’s attacking threat during his brief appearance. His direct runs and ability to hold up play added dimensions to the team’s attack that had been missing before his arrival.

Given his £64 million transfer fee, there will inevitably be doubters questioning whether Hojlund can justify his value. Nevertheless, based on his promising debut, it’s fair to give him credit, even if it’s just been 20 minutes. The initial signs suggest there’s reason for cautious optimism.