Erik ten Hag believes it is on Rasmus Hojlund’s Manchester United team-mates to help the summer signing break his duck in the Premier League.
While goals have come relatively easy for the Denmark international on the European stage – three in three Champions League fixtures – it has been a very different story domestically.
Rasmus Hojlund is still awaiting his first goal in England’s top flight. That, however, says a lot more about the form of those around him, Hojlund relying on quality service that just isn’t coming his way at present.
As ESPN pointed out, the £63 million striker peripheral again during Saturday’s 1-0 win at Fulham, it is now 160 minutes since Manchester United last created a goalscoring chance for Hojlund in the Premier League.
And Ten Hag, speaking ahead of Hojlund’s return to former club Copenhagen tonight, admits he can appreciate the 20-year-old’s frustration as the manager looks to find a solution.
Ten Hag backing Rasmus Hojlund
“He understands (that we are struggling to create chances). But of course, we speak with him about this. He’s still a young player but he’s smart and understands the situation he’s in,” Ten Hag tells the Manchester Evening News.
“He wants to score goals. He’s so keen and working very hard in training.”
Antony and Marcus Rashford, the United wingers expected to provide ammunition for their new gunslinger, have been bang out of form of late, while Jadon Sancho – arguably the player best-suited to getting the best out of Hojlund – remains banished from the first-team picture.
Manchester United face Copenhagen challenge
“As a team, we can be better in possession. We can create more and better chances that will give our offensive players more opportunities to score goals,” Ten Hag adds.
“Social-wise, he integrates very good in the team and the club. From here on, he has to take it on and improve. That’s the character of Rasmus. He wants to improve every day.
“It’s lovely to work with him.”
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