A recent feature comparing statistics on Man United’s Rasmus Hojlund and Man City’s Erling Haaland has drawn ire from supporters.
The Norwegian had a blistering start to Premier League life in the blue half of Manchester, whilst the Danish striker has taken a while to get used to English football, before becoming the youngest player to score in six consecutive Premier League games.
Their respective fortunes in front of goal have been closely scrutinised, but fans think Sky Sports were guilty of ‘mad business’ by choosing to compare the two No. 9’s, perhaps in part because of their similar names, and for ‘bashing’ Hojlund just as he’s started to find goalscoring boots.
The feature begins with a focus on their first 20 Premier League appearances, based on stats provided by Opta.
Haaland had a blistering start to life in England’s top flight when he joined Man City from Borussia Dortmund, scoring 25 goals, and making three assists in just 20 games.
The pair have a similar number of chances made, but Haaland’s 33.8% conversion rate puts him significantly above Hojlund’s percentage, which is 24.7%.
The Man United striker has an xG total of 6.5, whilst Haaland had an xG of 17 for his first 20 games, and one fan of the Red Devils noted that this was an important number to focus on, as it highlights the difference between the two sides.
One Man United fan wrote on X (fka Twitter): ‘Only one stat to look out for on that graphic.. xG. Only 6.5xG amassed by Hojlund in his first 20 games, which outlines the problem.. service!
‘Haaland 17xG. Stays between the lines and has millions of goalscoring opportunities per game.’
Since Christmas, the numbers have been significantly different for both parties – and whilst Haaland has been recovering from an injury, it is positive news for Hojlund.
Since Christmas, Hojlund has seven Premier League goals from his six games, and an xG of 3.47.
Haaland has scored three goals in his five league games since December 25, but has an xG of 4, as well as one assist.
It means Hojlund is currently converting a goal every 75 minutes of game time, and finishing with a 64% conversion rate, whilst Haaland’s is a goal every 125 minutes of playing time, and his conversion rate is down at 13%.
‘Why do sky sports want to find a way to bash a young lad who’s hit some form?’, asked one United fan, following the comparison.
They added: ‘Comparing him to the best goal scorer in the world who gets about 8 chances a match when Hojlund still feeding off scraps’.
Others concurred, with one writing: ‘This even makes what hojlund is doing more impressive imo’
”Absolute criminal to even compare both of them,’ protested another fan. ‘One plays for the best club in the word [sic] and another one barely even getting a chance created for him’.