Archive July 31, 2025

Rasmus Hojlund claims he “could have done with some help” in the Manchester United attack in the past and is “more than ready” for more competition in the main striker role.

Hojlund responded back on and off the pitch in Chicago on Wednesday following 48 hours of frenzied speculation about United’s search for forward reinforcements and knowing that Slovenian Benjamin Sesko, a highly regarded player from RB Leipzig, is at the top of their wishlist.

In their second game of the Premier League Summer Series, United defeated Bournemouth 4-1 at Soldier Field after the Denmark international had already scored one.

The 22-year-old, who helped United end a poor Premier League campaign in 15th place last year, scored 10 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions last year. He has vowed to “stay and fight” for his place in Ruben Amorim’s side.

After purposefully scouting the waiting media following the win over Bournemouth, Hojlund declared, “My plan is very clear.” Whatever happens, I should stay there and fight for my spot.

“I’m fine with competition,” I said. I become more aware. I’m more than capable. I’m feeling inspired, so I’m ready for anything.

Hojlund has scored 26 goals in 95 competitive games, or over a goal per four games, since joining United in 2023.

The figures are acceptable. However, they include a run of five goals in four games last year and eight in eight during the previous campaign, two sequences that, if removed, would result in just 13 goals in 83 games.

However, some claim that Hojlund should have joined a squad with an experienced striker who could bear the load of responsibility because too much was initially demanded of him.

Anthony Martial was present as well, but he had a lot of injuries, so I had to take a lot of the game time, he said.

Hojlund appeared determined to prove a point during his trip to the United States.

He slammed a shot against the post as West Ham won at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday with his pace and speed.

In just eight minutes, he scored from fellow countryman Patrick Dorgu’s cross after volleying home from Bournemouth.

His second assertion was more contentious. The Denmark forward claimed Amad’s low shot, which was headed for the far corner regardless, was shot off him on the way in after using his strength to annoy Bournemouth ranks.

Although Amad was given the task, Hojlund declared, “It is undoubtedly mine. I’m at a loss for words. My shin was touched by the ball. My goal is this.

It is understandable that Hojlund would want to reclaim any amount of his ability after the criticism he has received over the past two seasons for his relative lack of goals.

Hojlund seems to have regained some of its attention.

He appears to be a different player than the one he had last season, which ended in a man’s closet because he appeared to be a terrible scorer.

He has scored 61 goals for his club and country, but some don’t, and Erling Haaland’s record was over 100 when he was Hojlund’s age, while others take longer.

By the age of 22, Harry Kane, England’s top scorer, had only managed 53 goals.

He said, “I’m still very young.” Sometimes people forget that.

“I’m only 22. By that point, not every striker has scored 100 goals.

I believe you can see it in my game, but I’ve learned a lot. In the fundamentals, I’m starting to develop and improve even more.

“We all struggled last season,” said one player. Everyone is aware that I should have done better.

Henrik Pedersen has been appointed as the club’s manager by Sheffield Wednesday in place of Danny Rohl, who left on Tuesday.

Since Dane Pedersen, 47, had previously worked as a German’s assistant at Hillsborough since he joined the club in October of this year, Rohl’s future was uncertain. He earlier this month signed a contract extension with the club.

His appointment is scheduled for Wednesday, which is a tumultuous summer.

The club has been placed under registration embargoes, and salaries have been delayed in May and June.

Owner Dejphon Chansiri wants to sell the club, but negotiations for a takeover have not progressed.

The wages for this month have been delayed once more, and on Wednesday, BBC Radio Sheffield reported that players were considering resigning from the game.

Rohl, who helped the team finish 12th overall last year, appeared to be leaving last month when he did not make another pre-season training. He eventually made his return in early July, but the team only agreed to do so on Tuesday.

Pedersen has previous managerial experience in both Germany and Norway as well as in his native Denmark.

He stated on the club website, “I’m incredibly, incredibly proud to be managing this wonderful football team.”

“The city felt like our home right away when I moved to Sheffield with my family.”

Is it going to be simple, he asked? No! Although we may be in “routine waters,” as a proud Dane, stormy seas don’t bother us as much. To weather the storm and reach calmer waters, you must adapt.

I ask that we “stick together,” to the fans. As we work to grow, we may need to be a little patient at times. We all care about Hillsborough and will do everything in our power to preserve it.

Location: Musgrave Park, Cork Date: Saturday, August 2 Kick-off: 2:00 BST

Sam Monaghan, Ireland’s captain, will make his international debut against Scotland on Saturday in Cork.

Since June 2024, the Gloucester-Hartpury lock has been out of the game playing for her club with a serious knee injury.

She will start for Scott Bemand’s side in the second row after suffering calf and hamstring injuries that prevented her return.

After missing the Six Nations because of her broken leg in December, Beibhinn Parsons gives her wing a second boost by putting her in the side.

After a 12-month absence, Eimear Corri-Fallon, who previously joined Monaghan in the second row, also comes back.

Ivana Kiripati and center Nancy McGillivray are expected to win their first caps from the beginning, while Ailish Quinn will do so if needed to take their place.

With Neve Jones, Niamh O’Dowd, Linda Djougang, Fiona Tuite, and Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird in reserve, there is plenty of forward experience around Quinn.

However, Ireland are without star back row Aoife Wafer and influential forwards Erin King and Dorothy Wall, both of whom have been ruled out of the World Cup.

The first of Ireland’s two warm-up games before the World Cup is against Scotland. On August 9 in Belfast, they will face Canada.