Rasmus Hojlund makes 'guilty' admission after Euro 2024 exit to hand Man Utd reality check

Manchester United have been dealt a reality check after Rasmus Hojlund's 'guilty' comments at Euro 2024.

On Saturday Hojlund and his Denmark teammates were left frustrated after a controversial 2-0 defeat to Germany eliminated them from Euro 2024.

Denmark were denied an opener in their round-of-16 tie in Dortmund when VAR judged Joachim Andersen to be marginally offside.

Moments later, VAR intervened when a cross hit Andersen's hand from point-blank range. Upon reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, referee Michael Oliver awarded Germany a penalty which Kai Havertz dispatched.

Jamal Musiala doubled the host's lead shortly afterwards, but Denmark could have gotten themselves back in the game had Hojlund not smashed a close-range effort into the side-netting.

The Man United striker failed to score and was substituted late in the second half, as was the case in Denmark's three group matches.

After the match, the 21-year-old took to Instagram to pen an emotional message with Danish supporters in which he admitted his guilt about not scoring.

"To be honest, I didn't really know what to expect from my first Euros," Hojlund wrote.

"Supporting Denmark during a tournament was always one of the highlights as a Dane. Playing for Denmark was indescribable.

"I was so eager and wanted so badly to make our country proud. I texted one of my friends that I felt a bit guilty. It's a weird sentimental mix because there's also pride.

Rasmus Hojlund failed to score in four appearances at Euro 2024 (Image: Getty)

"Obviously, we wanted to bring the cup home, but the thing that will always bring me pride, both as a footballer and a Dane: We are red, we are white. We stand together, side by side."

Hojlund's struggles and guilt gave United a reality check, re-affirming their plans to sign a new attacker this summer.

United new they were bringing in a rough diamond when they signed Hojlund for £72 million last summer, and that is still the case even if he did score 16 goals in his debut season at Old Trafford.

With Anthony Martial leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract, Hojlund is the only senior striker in Erik ten Hag's squad.

Hojlund's Euros struggles have made clear that he still has plenty to learn, and would likely benefit from having a striking partner to ease the burden on him.

United have been linked with Bologna's Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has a £34m release clause in his contract.