Boil it down to the raw numbers, and 13 goals in 54 Premier League games is a poor return on a £64 million investment, with another £8 million in potential add-ons. Nobody can currently argue that Rasmus Hojlund has been good value for Manchester United.

The 22-year-old remains an inconsistent striker, frustratingly unpredictable in his performances. After scoring against Leicester City and then netting for Denmark against Portugal, there was optimism that he had turned a corner. His goal earned him a start in the second leg of the Nations League quarter-final, but he was subbed off just after the 70-minute mark and criticised in the Danish media for an underwhelming display.

Rasmus Højlund’s goal against Leicester City on Sunday ended a challenging 21-game goal drought, a moment that was celebrated with a determined, straight-faced reaction.

The 22-year-old Danish striker admitted that the goal was a significant milestone, but it’s clear he understands the work that still lies ahead in his development.

Højlund, who is on his second permanent manager at Old Trafford, revealed that adapting to the team’s new system under Ruben Amorim, particularly the 3-4-2-1 formation, has been one of the key factors behind his goal-scoring struggles. “I think obviously I’ve not been on top of my game as I wanted to,” he acknowledged. “We’re still adapting to a new system and some new positions.”

Manchester United are hopeful that their injury concerns will ease over the international break, although some key players remain sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Here's the latest on the club's injury situation:

Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund suffered a hamstring injury during a pre-season match against Arsenal in the United States, and his recovery has been progressing slowly. Initially given a six-week timeline, Erik ten Hag has indicated that while Hojlund is nearing a return, it may take time for him to regain full match fitness.
Potential return date: September 14, vs Southampton