Schmeichel's 'special' advice to Hojlund revealed by Man Utd striker

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has shed light on a touching moment captured in a viral video following the team’s 3-0 Premier League triumph over Leicester City on Sunday.

The 22-year-old Dane, who ended a lengthy goal drought with the opener in the match, was seen being consoled by club legend Peter Schmeichel pitchside, sparking widespread attention among fans online.

Hojlund’s goal came in the 38th minute at the King Power Stadium, when he expertly controlled a lofted pass from Bruno Fernandes and slotted it past Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen with his right foot.

It marked his first Premier League strike since Boxing Day, breaking a 22-game barren run that had weighed heavily on the young forward.

The significance of the moment wasn’t lost on Schmeichel, a former United goalkeeper and fellow Dane, who approached Hojlund after the final whistle to offer words of encouragement.

Speaking to Danish outlet Tipsbladet, Hojlund revealed the context behind their exchange. “Peter came over because he could see how much that goal meant to me,” he said. “He’s been there himself—he knows what it’s like to carry expectations at this club.

He just told me to keep pushing, that the goals would come if I stayed focused.” Hojlund admitted the relief he felt, adding, “It’s been a tough stretch, no doubt. You start questioning yourself when the ball doesn’t go in, but scoring again lifts a huge burden. Having someone like Peter acknowledge that was special.”

The video, which quickly spread across social media, showed Schmeichel placing an arm around Hojlund as the pair shared a brief but heartfelt conversation.

For many United fans, it was a poignant reminder of the club’s storied past connecting with its present, with Schmeichel—part of the 1999 Treble-winning side—offering mentorship to a player still finding his footing at Old Trafford.

Hojlund, who joined United from Atalanta for £72 million in the summer of 2023, has faced intense scrutiny over his modest goal tally, making the interaction all the more meaningful.

The match itself was a showcase of United’s attacking resurgence under manager Ruben Amorim, with Alejandro Garnacho and Fernandes adding goals in the 58th and 90th minutes, respectively.

However, Hojlund’s moment stole the spotlight, not just for the goal but for the emotional aftermath captured with Schmeichel. Reflecting on his form, Hojlund noted the support from his teammates had been crucial.

“The lads have kept me going—Bruno’s pass was perfect, and it’s a team effort to get me in those positions,” he said. “I’ve got my confidence back now, and I want to build on it.”

Schmeichel, speaking as a pundit for Viaplay, praised Hojlund’s resilience, though he tempered his enthusiasm with a dose of realism. “It’s a massive relief for him, no question,” Schmeichel said. “He’s had to endure a lot of criticism, some fair, some not.

But one goal doesn’t erase everything—he’s got to keep proving himself at a club like United.” The former goalkeeper’s words reflect a broader narrative around Hojlund: while the goal marks progress, the pressure of his price tag and the club’s expectations remain ever-present.

For United, the win extended an unbeaten run to seven games across all competitions, lifting them to 11th in the Premier League table. Yet, off the pitch, the Hojlund-Schmeichel moment has sparked debate about the club’s handling of young talent.

Critics might argue that United’s reliance on a 22-year-old to lead the line, coupled with limited goalscoring support until recently, exposes flaws in squad planning under co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Amorim’s regime. Schmeichel’s intervention, while heartwarming, also highlights the absence of consistent senior guidance within the current setup—a gap that legends like him can only briefly fill from the sidelines.