According to a report by Metro on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has accused some of the club’s players of refusing to pass the ball to Rasmus Hojlund during his time at Old Trafford.

The former United goalkeeper also criticised the decision to sell the Denmark international, describing him as a “goal machine” who did not receive enough support to reach his full potential.

Hojlund joined Manchester United from Atalanta in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth £72 million. He scored 16 goals in his first season but struggled to maintain his form during his second campaign, finishing with 10 goals in all competitions.

United later sent the striker on loan to Napoli in 2025 before completing his permanent transfer to the Italian club in June 2026.

Speaking on The Overlap, Schmeichel questioned why United decided to let Hojlund leave instead of giving him more time to develop.

“Rasmus Hojlund was a goal machine. And he will be a goal machine everywhere,” Schmeichel said.

The former goalkeeper also claimed that some United players failed to support the striker by refusing to pass the ball to him during matches.

“He had players there who very openly would not even pass it to him. A young kid, who needed to be coached in order to maximise his great talent which I think he has,” he added.

Schmeichel also questioned United’s recruitment strategy, particularly the decision to replace Hojlund with Benjamin Sesko.

United signed Sesko from RB Leipzig after identifying the Slovenian international as their preferred option to strengthen the attack. However, injury problems have limited his availability and raised concerns about his contribution to the team.

Although Schmeichel acknowledged Sesko’s talent, he argued that United had already invested considerable time in developing Hojlund.

“This is a fantastic player. What do we do? Well, we got the head of recruitment in from Red Bull and what does he do? He brings in his player,” Schmeichel said.

Hojlund scored 16 goals for Napoli during his first season back in Italy. According to the report, he has since scored twice in 11 appearances this campaign.

Sesko has also scored twice this season despite playing fewer minutes, although his injury problems have restricted his opportunities.

Schmeichel’s comments have raised further questions about United’s decision to sell Hojlund and whether the club gave the young striker enough time and support to establish himself at Old Trafford.