Michael Owen urges Man Utd to give Rasmus Hojlund ‘fair crack of the whip’ next season

Michael Owen urges Man Utd to give Rasmus Hojlund ‘fair crack of the whip’ next season as questions grow over striker’s Old Trafford future

There’s something about strikers at Manchester United — they’re either the headline act or the easiest target when things go wrong. Right now, Rasmus Højlund sits somewhere in between, his reputation caught in the crossfire of a club still trying to rediscover its rhythm.

Former United forward Michael Owen has stepped in with a firm opinion: the Danish striker deserves another shot. Not just a token opportunity, but a genuine, structured chance to prove himself in a team that actually functions.

And that distinction — a functioning team — is at the heart of this entire debate.

Michael Owen urges Man Utd to give Rasmus Hojlund ‘fair crack of the whip’ next season after difficult loan spell and Old Trafford struggles

Højlund’s time in Manchester never quite took off. Signed with expectation and long-term belief, he found himself leading the line in a side that struggled for cohesion, creativity, and consistency. Goals were hard to come by — just four in the league during his second season — and before long, confidence began to dip.

A loan move to Napoli followed, offering a fresh start in a different tactical environment.

And in Italy, something shifted.

Freed from the chaos that often defined United’s attacking play, Højlund began to show glimpses of the player many believed he could become. Ten league goals in 29 appearances may not sound explosive, but context matters — and in this case, it suggests progress, adaptation, and perhaps most importantly, stability.

Owen believes that contrast tells the real story.

“I don’t care who you play up front,” he said. “If the team isn’t functioning, it’s very hard to judge.”

It’s a simple point, but one that resonates deeply when you look at United’s recent seasons.

A ‘broken chain’ at Manchester United

Owen’s analogy was striking — and brutally honest.

“Strikers are the end of the chain,” he explained. “If the chain is broken, it’s pointless.”

In other words, the problem was never just about the striker. It was about everything leading up to him: midfield link-up, wide service, tempo, movement, confidence. When those elements collapse, even the most talented forwards can look ordinary.

At United, that “chain” has been inconsistent for years.

Managers have changed. Systems have shifted. Personnel has rotated. But the underlying issue — a lack of fluid, reliable attacking structure — has remained.

Højlund, in Owen’s view, was simply caught in the middle of it.

The Michael Carrick effect at Old Trafford

Things, however, have started to look different under interim boss Michael Carrick.

Since taking charge, Carrick has introduced a calmer, more structured approach. The team looks more connected, transitions feel smoother, and there’s a clearer idea of how chances are being created.

It’s not perfect, but it’s progress.

And that progress has already had a visible impact — particularly on Benjamin Šeško.

The young striker has flourished in recent weeks, scoring six goals in 12 appearances under Carrick, including a decisive winner against Brentford.

For Owen, this is the clearest possible evidence.

“It was hard to judge him before,” he said of Šeško. “But now the chain is working, you’re seeing a different type of player.”

The implication is obvious: put Højlund into this improved system, and you might see a completely different version of him too.

Wasted potential or premature judgement?

One of the more uncomfortable questions raised by Owen’s comments is how many players have been written off too early at Manchester United.

“It makes you wonder how much wastage there has been,” he added.

It’s a fair point.

Modern football moves quickly. Players are judged instantly, often within months, sometimes even weeks. At a club like United, where scrutiny is relentless, that pressure is magnified.

But development is rarely linear — especially for young forwards adjusting to new leagues, new expectations, and new tactical demands.

Højlund’s case may not be unique. It may simply be the most recent example.

Ryan Giggs echoes the call for patience

Owen is not alone in his thinking.

Club legend Ryan Giggs has also spoken in support of Højlund, pointing to the context of his early time at the club.

According to Giggs, one of the key issues was the lack of competition and support.

Højlund was effectively the only senior centre-forward available during parts of his first season — a heavy burden for any young striker, let alone one still adapting to English football.

Giggs believes the situation would look very different next season, particularly if Højlund were to return and compete with Šeško for a starting role.

That kind of internal competition, he argues, is exactly what United have been missing.

The Napoli complication

Of course, there is a significant obstacle standing in the way of any potential return.

Højlund’s loan deal with Napoli reportedly includes an obligation-to-buy clause worth around £38 million — triggered if the Italian side qualify for the Champions League.

And as things stand, that scenario looks increasingly likely.

Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, has already made the club’s position clear: they want to keep the striker.

“There are no doubts,” he said.

Under manager Antonio Conte, Højlund has become part of a structured, disciplined system — one that suits his physical attributes and direct style.

At the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, he is not just another player. He is part of a long-term plan.

And that changes everything.

A decision that may not be United’s to make

This is where the situation becomes complicated.

Even if Manchester United decide they want Højlund back, the final outcome may depend entirely on Napoli’s season.

If they secure Champions League qualification, the clause becomes active — and the decision effectively leaves United’s hands.

Only if that condition is not met would the possibility of a return become realistic.

And only then would Owen and Giggs potentially get their wish.

What comes next for Højlund?

For now, Højlund continues his season in Italy, building confidence, scoring goals, and proving that there is more to his game than his time in Manchester suggested.

Back in England, the conversation continues.

Was he misjudged? Misused? Or simply unlucky?

Owen’s view is clear.

He deserves a fair crack of the whip.

Whether he gets it — and where — remains to be seen.