Rasmus Hojlund highlights Man Utd failures – Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn't have signed him

Teddy Sheringham believes the Manchester United would never have signed Rasmus Hojlund under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Hojlund impressed in his first season at Old Trafford after joining from Atalanta in a £72million deal last summer. The 21-year-old netted 16 goals in 43 games for the Red Devils last term, including five in the Champions League.

Despite that level of form, what his signing says about United's current state has not down well with Sheringham. Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Euro 2024 betting, the Treble winner said Hojlund's arrival at Old Trafford stemmed from United's 'failure' to entice a top target to the Red Devils such as Harry Kane, who eventually moved to Bayern Munich from Spurs.

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The former England international also believes that if Sir Alex Ferguson was still in charge of United the move for Hojlund may never have happened.

"First and foremost, the signing of Rasmus Hojlund comes from United’s failure to not compete for the players at the very top level last summer, like Harry Kane," Sheringham said. "Years ago under Sir Alex, the club would’ve been in the hunt for Harry Kane and other players at the very top level who perform week in and week out."

Despite that opinion, Sheringham praised Hojlund for his work rate and endeavour in a season where the same couldn't be said for many other players donning the United shirt. Although he believes the 21-year-old has "done okay", Sheringham thinks United have settled for a plan B option when it comes to the former Atalanta forward.

"They bought a second best in Hojlund. I think he has done okay, he works hard and has to feed off scraps," Sheringham said, before adding that Hojlund is young and commended his work rate." Overall I think he has done okay and United should be thankful that he works so hard and you can’t forget that he is still young and learning his way."

Hojlund has been defended by Gary Neville, with the former United full-back claiming the lack of 'stability' at Old Trafford has not helped the striker settle into the club and that the 21-year-old "stood up" when times were tough last season.

"I think he has done well," Neville said while a pundit on ITV for Euro 2024. "When you think about what Manchester United have done to players in the last 10 years, they've broken seasoned internationals who have signed for big money," he added.

"The lack of stability in the club over the last 12 months, all the changes, particularly up at the top, they've got basically no centre-forwards other than him, but he scored 16 goals in 35 starts and most of all, he stood up that kid. During the tough times in the season he was the one who I thought 'what a personality he's got.' That's all you need.

Hojlund is currently with the Danish squad at Euro 2024 and will be preparing to face England on Thursday in their second group stage fixture. The 21-year-old was a big peformer in qualifying, scoring seven goals to help Denmark top their group.

However, despite his form dipping lately – he has scored just once in his last eight internationals, his national team manager Kasper Hjulmand has addressed the forward's struggles. He suggested Hojlund is going through a "phase" and that his ability to always make an "impression" in games will see him through.

"It comes in phases. Sometimes you have this period where you score a lot of goals," Hjulmand said. "But thankfully Rasmus always makes a big impression in every game. He's dangerous and he's fully motivated but he always makes a difference, which is the most important thing."