Rasmus Højlund Takes Aim at Kyle Walker Following Man United’s Derby Defeat
Rasmus Højlund, Manchester United’s emerging striker, did not hold back after his team’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the latest Manchester derby. Following a performance that saw United thoroughly outplayed by their city rivals, the Danish forward expressed his frustration and fired a subtle but stinging dig at Kyle Walker, one of City’s standout performers.
The loss at Old Trafford marked yet another low point in United’s inconsistent season under Ruben Amorim. While Højlund showed flashes of his potential during the game, the overall team performance left much to be desired. In the aftermath, Højlund’s post-match comments shed light on the brewing tensions within the squad and reflected his competitive edge.
The Manchester Derby: A Tale of Two Teams
The build-up to the derby was filled with intrigue as Ruben Amorim’s United looked to bounce back from recent setbacks. However, the gulf in class between the two Manchester sides was evident throughout the match.
City dominated possession, dictated the tempo, and capitalized on United’s defensive lapses. Erling Haaland scored twice, including a clinical penalty, before setting up Phil Foden for the third goal. On the other hand, United struggled to create meaningful chances, and their defense was repeatedly exposed by City’s fluid attack.
Højlund, who has quickly become a fan favorite since his summer arrival, battled tirelessly up front but received little support from his teammates. The 20-year-old striker’s effort was one of the few positives in an otherwise disappointing display.
Højlund’s Ruthless Dig at Walker
After the game, Rasmus Højlund faced the media and didn’t shy away from addressing United’s struggles. While his comments primarily focused on the team’s need to improve, he also delivered a cutting remark about Kyle Walker, one of City’s veteran defenders.
“I respect Kyle as a player—he’s fast and experienced—but I think he had it a little too easy today,” Højlund said. “If we want to compete with the best, we need to make life harder for opponents like him. It’s embarrassing when we don’t.”
The dig was seen as a critique of United’s overall performance, implying that the team failed to apply enough pressure on City’s defense, allowing Walker and his teammates to dictate play from the back. Walker, known for his pace and defensive acumen, enjoyed a relatively comfortable game, neutralizing United’s sporadic counterattacks with ease.
Højlund’s remarks also highlighted his desire to see United adopt a more aggressive and competitive mindset, especially in big games like the derby.
A Frustrated Yet Determined Højlund
Højlund’s competitive spirit has been one of the hallmarks of his short time at Manchester United. Despite being only 20 years old, he has shown maturity and a willingness to shoulder responsibility. His comments after the derby reflect his high standards and his frustration at United’s inability to match City’s intensity.
The Danish striker’s call for improvement resonated with fans, many of whom have voiced similar concerns about the team’s lack of fight and organization in key matches. Højlund’s words are a reminder that even in defeat, he remains committed to pushing the team forward.
Reaction and Implications
Højlund’s comments quickly gained attention, with fans and pundits debating their significance. Some praised him for his honesty and passion, viewing his remarks as a much-needed wake-up call for the team. Others warned against singling out individual players like Walker, suggesting that Højlund’s focus should remain on improving his own game.
