Rasmus Hojlund`s challenging season took a turn for the worse during the international break with Denmark.
The Manchester United forward has endured a difficult campaign for his club, managing only four goals in 32 Premier League appearances.
Hojlund was left on the bench for Denmark`s recent 5-0 friendly victory over Lithuania.
Mika Biereth started in his place upfront and delivered a superb performance, scoring the opening goal and contributing to a red card by drawing a foul from Edgaras Utkus.
According to Danish media outlet Bold, the Monaco star was “clinical” when it mattered and has now surpassed Hojlund in the national team`s forward hierarchy.
They commented: “Hojlund must be worried now. He has been overtaken.”
Biereth`s strike partner in the match was Kasper Dolberg, who also found the back of the net.
Hojlund was brought on as a substitute in the 72nd minute but was unable to make a significant impact.
This comes after he also struggled in the previous game, playing 66 minutes before being replaced by Biereth in Denmark`s 2-1 win against Northern Ireland on Saturday.
Biereth, who was born in London and was previously in Arsenal`s academy until last year, has also demonstrated greater goal-scoring efficiency than Hojlund at the club level.
He scored 13 goals in 19 appearances, including three hat-tricks, for Monaco after joining from Austrian side Sturm Graz.
Despite the challenges, Hojlund has been linked with a potential switch to Inter Milan this summer.
However, he recently suggested his intention to remain at Old Trafford, stating last week: “I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United.”
He added: “I`m looking forward to going on a summer holiday and then I`m fully dedicated to the project that`s underway.
“I know I can`t get much out of reading things. I know what the facts are.”
Adding to the competition, Hojlund might also have to contend with the potential arrival of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon.
Reports from Portugal indicate that Gyokeres has reportedly threatened to go on strike to force a move.
