Hojlund's shock reply to Man Utd fan on Instagram who called his signing a 'scandal'

Rasmus Hojlund has hit back after a fan questioned his signing by Erik ten Hag on Instagram.

The 21-year-old, under fire from frustrated supporters during Manchester United’s dire start to the season, privately messaged a critic who suggested his £72 million transfer from Atalanta was unjustified.

Hojlund’s record since arriving at Old Trafford includes 23 goals in 64 games, with 16 of those coming in his debut season.

He has also impressed in European competitions, netting 10 goals in 12 appearances across the Champions League and Europa League.

However, his Premier League contributions have been more limited, with just 12 league goals since joining and only two in 13 appearances this term.

The scrutiny intensified on Friday when an Instagram user, utdfamee, shared a post originally from @sulkfenomeno on X (formerly Twitter).

The post read: "Hojlund is only at this club because he shared the same agency as Ten Hag.

"Not because of his footballing ability. People know this, yet they still think he's this talent that's going to come good.

"He's part of the biggest footballing scandals of this century. £72m, you know [crying emojis]."

In the caption, utdfamee added: "Erik ten Hag needs to be trialled in court for the signing of Rasmus Højlund.

"Lock him up and throw away the key. When your starting No. 9's most notorious attribute is whining his backside on defenders, you know you're in trouble.

"The TL will bring up the fact that he doesn't get service, but that's what happens when you can't anticipate or position yourself into those goalscoring areas.

"The trampoline touch and lack of hold-up play, too? The £72m package has never looked so limited."

Hojlund, clearly unsettled by the post, responded via direct message: "Hi, I find your post a bit disturbing, mate.

"You are right to have your opinion, but stop talking about things you know nothing about. That is all."

United were reportedly aware when signing Hojlund that he was a long-term project, arriving from Italy as a raw talent.

But the club’s attacking struggles this season have only increased the spotlight on the Denmark international.

Marcus Rashford, coming off a career-best 30-goal season in 2022/23, has failed to replicate that form.

Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Amad Diallo, and even Joshua Zirkzee, who also joined from Serie A, have provided minimal contributions in front of goal.

The cumulative lack of output has left Hojlund bearing the brunt of fan criticism as United languish in 14th place in the Premier League.