Alan Shearer labels Man Utd flop 'a damaged player' and gives damning verdict

has labelled a "damaged player" due to the young forward's ongoing struggles at Manchester United and gave a damning verdict that he's simply not ready to lead the line for them. The Red Devils suffered yet another defeat on Sunday, with their attacking line-up failing to deliver. Hojlund found himself spearheading United's attack at Old Trafford against Wolves but failed to notch a goal, keeping his tally to a mere eight this season.

This underwhelming performance adds to the 16 goals from his previous year, and it appears the faith placed in him following his £72million transfer from Atalanta last summer hasn't paid dividends. Initially concerns were raised about his inexperience and unfortunately for United fans, Hojlund hasn't progressed as expected.

Shearer, the ex-Newcastle icon, suggests that Hojlund's confidence has taken a hit after repeatedly being put in the position of leading United's frontline. Adding to his woes is the persistent criticism and the unhelpful dynamics within the team.

The BBC pundit said: "I'm looking at a damaged player in Hojlund. I think he wasn't ready and isn't ready to lead the line at a club like Manchester United. Three Premier League goals, and at the minute I'm seeing a player that doesn't really want to get in there.

"He's perhaps a second too early or a second too late, and his timing is all wrong. I think there's no doubt he's (suffering from) a crisis in confidence."

Joshua Zirkzee is sidelined for the rest of the season due to injury, leaving Hojlund as United's main forward. Manager Ruben Amorim has emphasised that it's up to the squad to support their Danish striker in the attack.

Thus far, the striker is yet another costly transfer market gamble who has yet to deliver returns, but Amorim shows no sign of pulling Hojlund from the spotlight and has suggested confidence in the Dane for the season's concluding stages. And Shearer argues the young player is overburdened.

The Premier League's all-time top scorer observed: "He's been put into a really difficult situation at a club where unless you're exceptional, to lead the line for the football club you have to be really talented.

"He's not at the stage of his career where he should be leading the line. I'm not saying there's not a good player in there, I think there is a good player in there. But the pressure that's on him in terms of doing what he can't do and also the price-tag, he's not ready to lead the line as yet."