For Manchester United fans and Denmark supporters alike, yesterday’s 5-0 thrashing of Lithuania in a friendly match delivered a surprising revelation: Rasmus Hojlund, the much-touted striker, found himself relegated to the bench. Instead, it was Mika Biereth, the Monaco forward, who seized the spotlight with a commanding performance, sparking widespread speculation that a significant shift in the national team’s pecking order is underway. Is Hojlund’s starting spot truly in jeopardy? Let’s dissect what this means for both strikers and their respective clubs.
Biereth’s Star-Making Performance:
Seizing the Opportunity: Mika Biereth’s selection ahead of Hojlund was immediately justified. The Monaco striker opened the scoring for Denmark and later drew a red card when he was fouled by Edgaras Utkus, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple crucial ways. This assertive performance, alongside Kasper Dolberg (who also found the net), demonstrated a dynamism that impressed both coaches and media.
“Venomous” Impact: Danish media outlet Bold didn’t hold back in their praise, describing Biereth as “venomous” when it mattered. This isn’t just about scoring; it’s about making decisive plays that swing the momentum of the game, highlighting his confidence and clinical edge. His contributions clearly outshone Hojlund’s brief 72nd-minute substitute appearance, where the Manchester United forward “failed to make any meaningful contribution.”
Hojlund’s Troubles Extend Beyond One Match:
A Growing Concern for Denmark: Hojlund’s benching wasn’t an isolated incident. His struggles with the national team have been evident in recent fixtures. He played only 66 minutes in Denmark’s previous 2-1 victory over Northern Ireland before being substituted for Biereth, indicating that the coaching staff has been exploring alternatives.
Club Form Reflecting International Standing: A significant factor contributing to Hojlund’s perceived decline in the national team hierarchy is his “difficult campaign at club level.” Despite his high transfer fee, the 21-year-old has managed “just four goals in 32 Premier League appearances this season” for Manchester United. This starkly contrasts with Biereth’s prolific form since joining Monaco from Sturm Graz, where he has netted an impressive “13 goals in just 19 matches, including three hat-tricks.” This disparity in recent scoring prowess is a clear indicator of who is currently in better form.
The Shifting Hierarchy and Future Implications:
“Hojlund Must Be Shaking His Pants”: The Danish media’s sentiment is clear and emphatic. Bold boldly stated, “Hojlund must be shaking his pants by now. He has been overtaken.” This direct declaration signifies a perceived major shift in the pecking order. It’s rare for a highly-rated, high-profile player like Hojlund to be so definitively challenged, especially by someone seemingly lower in the overall pecking order a few months ago.
Impact on Manchester United: This development could have ripple effects beyond the Danish national team. For Manchester United, it raises questions about Hojlund’s consistency and whether his form truly reflects the expectations placed upon him. While friendly matches are not always definitive indicators, a loss of confidence or a sustained dip in performance at the international level could impact his club form, especially with the pressure cooker environment at Old Trafford.
Biereth’s Rise: Conversely, Biereth’s ascendancy is a massive boost for him and Monaco. His strong performances could increase his value and put him on the radar for bigger moves in the future, especially if he continues to excel for Denmark.
Yesterday’s friendly match was more than just a comfortable win for Denmark; it was a potential turning point in the international careers of two promising strikers. Mika Biereth’s electrifying performance, coupled with Rasmus Hojlund’s continued struggles both for club and country, appears to have propelled Biereth ahead in the Danish national team hierarchy. While Hojlund’s talent is undeniable, the message from Denmark is clear: form matters, and competition for places is fierce. This development will undoubtedly add pressure on Hojlund to rediscover his scoring touch, both for Manchester United and his national team, as he battles to reclaim his undisputed starting spot. The race for Denmark’s leading striker position has just gotten a lot more interesting!