‘Bit too tough for him’: Sam Allardyce says Spurs star has been one of the biggest disappointments this season

The Premier League season has delivered few surprises more shocking than the simultaneous struggles of two European finalists – Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur – who find themselves languishing in 16th and 17th positions respectively.

While both clubs prepare for their Europa League showdown in Bilbao, former England manager Sam Allardyce has weighed in on which of their star strikers has disappointed most during this turbulent campaign.

Allardyce’s scathing assessment on his “No Tippy Tappy Football” podcast placed Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund above Tottenham captain Son Heung-min in his rankings of season’s biggest letdowns.

The veteran manager’s critique cuts to the heart of both clubs’ attacking woes, though his verdict carries particular sting for the young Dane who arrived at Old Trafford amid great expectations last summer.

“Unfortunately for him, Hojlund’s been the most disappointing,” Allardyce declared. “He hasn’t contributed enough for Manchester United’s expectations.

They need not just a goal-scorer, but a front man who can hold it up and then get in the box to score – and he’s failed to do that.” The pointed reference to Hojlund’s £72 million price tag underscores how far short the 21-year-old has fallen of justifying his substantial transfer fee, managing just four Premier League goals all season.

Son escapes with comparatively lighter criticism, though Allardyce’s observation that “it looks like it’s getting a bit too tough for him now” suggests concerns about the South Korean’s ability to maintain his elite standards as he approaches his 32nd birthday.

The Tottenham talisman’s decline from last season’s 23-goal Premier League haul to just 17 across all competitions this year reflects both his own diminishing returns and the creative deficiencies plaguing Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Comparative Striker Analysis: 2023/24 Season

The statistics reveal two forwards struggling in different ways. Hojlund’s physical attributes haven’t translated into effective hold-up play or consistent goal threat, while Son’s declining output stems from reduced service and increasing isolation in Tottenham’s attack.

Both players have been victims of their teams’ systemic failures – Hojlund suffering from United’s dysfunctional buildup play, Son from Spurs’ inability to reliably progress the ball into dangerous areas.

Allardyce’s comments arrive at a precarious moment for both strikers. Son enters the final year of his Tottenham contract with Serie A clubs reportedly monitoring his situation, while Hojlund faces increased competition following United’s links to several elite forwards.

The Dane’s determination to prove himself at Old Trafford contrasts with growing external doubts about his suitability for English football’s relentless demands.

For Tottenham, Son’s potential departure would represent the end of an era – the last remaining connection to their Pochettino-era peak. His leadership and commercial value complicate any decision about his future, even as his on-field influence wanes.

United’s dilemma with Hojlund is different – whether to persist with a young striker showing flashes of potential or cut their losses on a player who may never justify his exorbitant fee.

As both clubs approach pivotal summers, the performances of these contrasting strikers in the Europa League final could prove symbolic. For Hojlund, a decisive contribution might salvage his United career; for Son, a final flourish could be the perfect farewell.

Allardyce’s harsh assessment reminds us that in modern football, even established stars must constantly prove their worth – especially when playing for clubs where expectations far outstrip current realities.

The coming months will reveal whether these struggling forwards can rediscover their best form or become casualties of their clubs’ inevitable rebuilds.

One thing is certain – neither Manchester United nor Tottenham can afford another season of such meager returns from their attacking spearheads if they hope to climb back into Premier League relevance.