Erik ten Hag believes Man United forward ‘offers the team a lot’ ahead of Champions League return

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Erik ten Hag has given his thoughts on Rasmus Hojlund’s start at Old Trafford and has opened up about what the forward has offered the team so far.

Rasmus Hojlund has netted three times in the Champions League and is the competition’s joint-top goalscorer after just two games.

The Manchester United frontman netted two goals against Galatasaray, including one superb individual goal which highlighted his huge qualities for the Red Devils.

The Danish forward joined the club from Atalanta and has been under a lot of pressure and has failed to hit the back of the net in the Premier League, despite his Champions League impact.

Ten Hag on Hojlund

Despite his lack of goals in the Premier League, the Dane, who was named in the top 20 for the Golden Boy award, has looked the part up-front for Erik ten Hag’s side and certainly adds a physical profile that United have lacked.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag was full of praise for the 20-year-old and said it would be a special occasion against Tuesday’s opponents.

“From the moment he came in he gave the team a lot,” Ten Hag enthused, “when the routines are better that split moment will give him more time to make better decisions, to score more goals. He is a player who will always be in scoring positions in our team, I am sure.

“You know it is a special game for him (against FC Copenhagen), he grew up there, and you know he will be highly motivated. For me, for the team, and for him he has to send that in the right direction, the right balance.”

Hojlund’s start

The forward, who hasn’t scored in six Premier League games, has certainly had chances for the Red Devils and was perhaps unfortunate to see his goal scored against Brighton & Hove Albion ruled out.

As Ruud Gullit has pointed out, Hojlund just doesn’t get enough chances in front of goal to add to his three in all competitions.

The frontmen need to create more for the Danish striker but, as of yet, that just isn’t happening for the young forward who has just three shots on target in his six Premier League appearances.