Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge has reignited criticism over the club’s attacking woes, with former captain Roy Keane delivering a scathing assessment of striker Rasmus Højlund’s performance.
Keane, speaking as a pundit, did not mince words: “Rasmus Højlund just isn’t showing the quality Manchester United need right now. He lacks football intelligence, and this has to be looked into.”
The Danish forward, who joined United for £72 million from Atalanta in 2023, has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League. Despite showing promise in European competitions, Højlund has managed only a handful of goals domestically and has often appeared isolated and ineffective in matches.
In the recent loss to Chelsea, Højlund failed to register a single shot on target, contributing to United’s lackluster offensive display. This performance adds to a growing list of underwhelming outings, raising questions about his suitability as United’s leading striker.
Keane’s critique echoes sentiments from other football analysts who have pointed out Højlund’s decision-making and positioning as areas of concern. The striker’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities has been a recurring issue, leading to calls for Manchester United to consider alternative options in the attacking department.
With the summer transfer window approaching, speculation is mounting that United may seek to bolster their forward line. Names like Dusan Vlahovic have been linked to the club, suggesting that the management is exploring options to enhance their attacking prowess.
As Manchester United prepares for the upcoming Europa League final against Tottenham, the pressure is on Højlund to deliver and silence his critics. However, if his current form persists, the club may be compelled to make significant changes to their attacking lineup in the near future.
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**Roy Keane Slams Højlund After Chelsea Defeat: “Lacks Football Intelligence”**
Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge has once again highlighted the team’s attacking deficiencies—and put the spotlight firmly on under-fire striker Rasmus Højlund.
Speaking after the match, former United captain and Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane offered a stinging critique of the Danish forward. *“Rasmus Højlund just isn’t showing the quality Manchester United need right now,”* Keane stated. *“He lacks football intelligence, and this has to be looked into.”*
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### Højlund Under Fire
Signed for £72 million from Atalanta in the summer of 2023, Højlund arrived with high expectations. While he has shown glimpses of promise in European competition, his Premier League form has been a cause for concern.
In the defeat to Chelsea, the 21-year-old failed to register a single shot on target, cutting a frustrated and isolated figure up front. This performance added to a growing narrative that Højlund is struggling to adapt to the pace and tactical demands of England’s top flight.
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### Growing Criticism and Transfer Speculation
Keane’s comments echo the growing frustration among pundits and fans alike. Analysts have frequently questioned Højlund’s movement, decision-making, and positioning—attributes vital for a top-tier Premier League striker. Despite his physical presence and raw potential, Højlund’s lack of composure and clinical finishing have become recurring talking points.
With Manchester United’s attack lacking bite, especially in tight fixtures, there are increasing calls for the club to explore alternative options. Reports suggest that United are monitoring Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, among others, as the summer transfer window approaches.
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### A Defining Few Weeks
Højlund’s immediate future may hinge on his performance in the Europa League final against Tottenham on May 21. A match-winning display could silence critics and reaffirm the club’s faith in his long-term potential. But failure to impress in such a high-stakes fixture may prompt the United hierarchy to fast-track plans for a new striker.
The pressure is mounting—and for Rasmus Højlund, time may be running out to prove he’s the right man to lead Manchester United’s line.
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