If Rasmus Hojlund had been as careless with the ball during his time at Manchester United, Roy Keane claimed he would have been “fuming” with the striker.

United played Wigan Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup, and Hojlund had three great opportunities to score in the first half but failed to do so. After seeing his first effort saved by Latics goalkeeper Sam Tickle, the 20-year-old missed the target with a header and then missed a rebounding chance from close range.

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United did go into half-time at the DW Stadium 1-0 up thanks to Diogo Dalot, and pundits Ian Wright and Roberto Martinez highlighted what they believed was misfortune regarding Hojlund. Keane, however, would have none of it.

“You are too generous, you are too generous. I’d be livid with him,” Keane told ITV Sport. “We wаnted United to show a [different] side of their game tonight. They’ve carried over their lack of precision and missed opportunities from the Premier League into tonight’s game. That was the United team I was hoping to witness tonight.

“With your striker, he’s missing chances. Despite our best efforts, these situations really present excellent opportunities. “Stop wasting time and knock the ball in.”

That awful finishing has been emblematic of Hojlund’s start to life at United, following his £72million from Atalanta over the summer. The Danish international netted his first Premier League goal at Aston Villa last month, his 15th appearance in the division.

Hojlund hasn’t had it easy due to a lack of assist from teammates, but the young striker has also squandered some fantastic chances. His exploits in the Champions League, where he scored once in six games, were in sharp contrast.

Since Erik ten Hag became manager in 2022, United’s goal differential has been consistently poor. This season, they have managed just 22 in the Premier League which is better than only Sheffield United and Burnley.