On Monday, Rasmus Hojlund missed two chances in the first half of Manchester United’s FA Cup match against Wigan Athletic. The commentators on ITV were very critical of him. 

Before the break, Man United was ahead 1-0, but Hojlund set up a lot of chances that the Premier League guests missed. 

Some of the people who thought the Danish scorer should have done more to finish those chances when they came up were Ian Wright, Roy Keane, and Ally McCoist.

During the break, Wright told ITV Sport, “I heard Ally say you feel for him, and as a striker you do.” But you have to take some of the risks we’ve seen in this game.

During the break, Wright talked about a chance that went over the bar with a shot from close range. He said, “This one I would be going crazy over because you could see it over on your head.” 

“He’s in a good spot here on his head the whole way through, just like he’s going to head it.” It goes up to the top of his head when he puts his head down. He needs to take off his hat. You need to punch that forward.

In another, Hojlund was four yards away from an open goal when the ball bounced awkwardly off of him. If he wasn’t under so much pressure to score for Man United, the chance might have gone differently.  

Wright told them, “I think this one is really bad luck for him because it comes in so late and has already bounced off his knee.” Again, though, you should be aware of it. In this case, it’s just the time of year, and you asked them if they were willing to take those risks.

Bob Martinez, another commentator, was there to back up the Danish No. 9. “He works so hard as a player and gives you so much.” Anyway, I don’t think it’s fair to judge him based on goals alone right now. He’s a No. 9 for Manchester United, so he comes with a big price tag. 

“You need to score those goals, but he’s not doing anything wrong when he has those chances.” Most likely the shot; he needs to look at the ball. But the others caught a moment of confidence when the ball hit them and went into the back of the net. 

“The problem for you as a coach is that you don’t see the player in those spots in the next play.”

But Keane spoke up and said, “You’re too kind, you’re too kind! I’d be fuming with him!” 

“Tonight, they [Man United] brought their habits from the Premier League with them, missing chances and not cutting it close.” Tonight, I want to see that United team. 

“The striker is missing his chances, which means he’s unlucky,” Make chances, put them in the back of the net, and stop fooling around!

As a color announcer for ITV, McCoist said soon after the miss from four yards out, “Rashford does exceptionally well again.” Cuts in on his favorite right foot and slams it. 

He also said, “Wow,” when the ball bounced awkwardly to Hojlund. It is a goal anywhere on the target, anywhere on the target again.

“He has to keep going,” I said.

“I want to know what Wrighty thinks about that, but I believe he should be scoring it.” I get that you could say it comes back a little too quickly.