Former poacher understands the frustrations felt by forward

The Dane found himself in the headlines this week after during Thursday's 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad. The last-16 clash was poised at 0-0 when Dalot fluffed an opportunity to cross in for Hojlund, who would have had a straightforward chance at goal.

Hojlund, 22, has been criticised after scoring just 23 times in 79 appearances for the Red Devils since joining for £64million almost two years ago. Sutton - who was prolific for and but was sold by after one dismal season - has sympathised with the struggling striker ahead of United's clash with on Sunday.

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"I’ve been where Rasmus Hojlund is right now at various points in my career where there is that slight hesitation in all aspects of his game," he wrote in his latest column. "Not scoring against Real Sociedad on Thursday means it’s 19 games without a goal now and I do feel sorry for him, because I don’t really see how he has had service and opportunities created for him.

"Diogo Dalot not crossing for him is a case-in-point. People can say it doesn’t affect you, but it does. I remember at Chelsea when I was out of form I would tell myself there is nothing wrong but that hesitation is what kills you. This isn’t lower-level football, you’re playing against some of the best players in the and if you are slightly off you can’t afford that."

In addition to already being out of the United's future in the Europa League is now at risk, too. men need a win at home to La Real in Thursday's second leg at Old Trafford if their continental quest is to go any further.

Hojlund has scored seven goals in 36 appearances this season and looks unlikely to match the 16 he netted during his debut campaign last term. His future in Amorim's XI has even been thrown into doubt following the emergence of 17-year-old Chido Obi-Martin, who has made some encouraging cameos off the bench recently.

Sutton, 51, contrasted the free and uninhibited body language of Obi-Martin against that of Hojlund, whom he said is "hesitating and looks unsure out there." The Scandinavian's last Premier League goal came in a 3-2 defeat to back in December, while four of his finishes this term came against lower opposition in Viktoria Plzen and Bodo/Glimt.

Obi-Martin joined United from Arsenal's academy in September and has been tipped to start against his old club on Sunday. The recent tensions with Dalot certainly haven't helped Hojlund's case, and Amorim urged his players to quit their bickering after Thursday's draw.

"One thing that I'm sure, they are really anxious to score goals and to win games, so they are all doing their best," said the Portuguese tactician, whose side sit 15th in the table ahead of hosting the Gunners. "Sometimes they want to do the best, but they are not deciding the best way in that position.

"It was a clear situation. Rasmus did really well, Dalot did really well, the decision was not the best. The important thing is to move on and not stay like them, fighting, and let's move on to the next opportunity."

Ending a 12-game goalless drought in the league on Sunday would be one way to answer his critics and prove Thursday's controversy is already behind him. But Hojlund may not get the opportunity as Obi-Martin's stock continues to rise.

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