Red flags are flying over Josh signing

RASMUS Hojlund had a gentle time away with Denmark, playing 71 minutes across their Nations League games.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

He was the matchwinner against Brentford and there was a five-day gap between United's win over Brentford and the draw with Fenerbahce. There was no logical rationale for Hojlund's rotation-related bench role in Istanbul.

Yes, the Reds have a tight turnaround ahead of a bigger game at West Ham today. Hojlund is 21 and an elite footballer has to be capable of starting twice a week. Eight teammates did in Istanbul.

Especially as his replacement was Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman has one goal in 12 games now and that was on his debut. The purported goalscorer does not look like scoring a goal.

There appear to be two reasons why United bought Zirkzee - his release clause and nationality. They have a fit frontman to ease the burden on Hojlund in that Zirkzee is fit and available. Yet Zirkzee prefers to take a back seat.

United's approach is markedly different with Zirkzee up front. Jose Mourinho's 'only doubt' was how Fenerbahce would manage United's starting striker.

"I think he [Erik ten Hag] tried. I think I know what he tried," Mourinho said. "My only doubt was Zirkzee or Hojlund, the difference of these two players. I know both very well because both played in Italy on my time.