Update: Alan Shearer says Man Utd star has been ‘unfairly treated’ as he raises Marcus Rashford issue News

Alan Shearer believes that Rasmus Hojlund has been “unfairly treated” with service and the role he plays at Manchester United – but admits the club still need to replace him in the summer

Alan Shearer admits he “feels sorry” for Rasmus Hojlund at Manchester United, claiming the striker has been “unfairly treated” – but the number nine still needs to be replaced.

United made major headlines last night following their epic comeback against Lyon in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. The Red Devils were 2-0 up and cruising at half-time at Old Trafford, with a Lyon red card in the second half adding to the French club’s misery.

However, two quick goals brought it level and fans were on the edge of their seats in extra-time. Rayan Cherki’s strike and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty had Lyon 4-2 up and leading 6-4 on aggregate – with United looking like they were going to crash out of the competition.

However, Casemiro was involved in winning a penalty that Bruno Fernandes expertly converted, and two late, late strikes from Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire – both assisted by the Brazilian midfielder – saw the game turn on its head. It meant Ruben Amorim’s side edged through to the semi-finals 7-6 on aggregate, with a scoreline of 5-4 on the night.

While it was a goal-scoring fest at Old Trafford, one struggling star who didn’t get in on the action was Hojlund. He was substituted in the 87th minute of normal time as his wait for a goal continued.

The last time the Danish star found the net was over a month ago, in a 3-0 win in the Premier League over relegation battlers Leicester City.

During an episode of the Rest is Football podcast with Shearer, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards, the latter host discussed United’s struggles at centre forward, as he asked the former Newcastle United striker what the club needs to do to improve their goal-scoring form at the top.

Shearer was clear: “Well, they need a world class striker at Man United.”

The all-time top goalscorer in the Premier League sympathised with Hojlund’s issues at United, but claims the club have to replace him in the summer.

“I mean, I’ve made my feelings known about Hojlund. I do feel sorry for him. I think he’s been really unfairly treated in that what he’s been asked to do at Manchester United. But they have to be in the market for a world class forward who can hold the ball up, who can score goals, who can run in behind,” Shearer said.

“Clearly at the minute those two – Hojlund and Zirkzee – can’t do that and that’s one of the reasons and there are plenty, but that’s one of the reasons why Man United aren’t very good.”

The ex-striker also brought up the issue of Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan to Aston Villa – and has been impressing so far with three goals and six assists in just 15 appearances. Two of these assists have come in crucial Champions League games, as the Villans beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 on Tuesday night – but sadly dropped out of Europe due to a 5-4 aggregate score going in PSG’s favour.

Shearer believes that Rashford will not return to United due to a potential quarrel with coach Amorim, and the club now need to focus on how they will present him in the transfer market in the summer. He added: “Now I go back to Marcus and I just think there’s a personality clash for whatever reason, whether it was attitude, whether it was [something else], there’s obviously more than one reason why the coach doesn’t want him there.

“He [Amorim] must be looking at Rashford at Aston Villa and looking at what he’s got in forward positions at Man United and think what’s happening here? That’s why I just feel there’s no way for him at Man United while Amorim is there, and there’s no way he’s going back and therein lies the problem.

“How do they then sell him? Everyone knows that the manager doesn’t want him. I don’t know how long he’s got left on his contract. He’s honestly on a fortune in terms of the contract. They’re going to want some decent dough for him. So therein lies the problem, it’ll be an interesting one at the end of the season to watch.”